Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reacted to a viral ritual performed by some aggrieved residents to protest the demolition of houses in the state.
The Oyo State government recently demolished buildings for the 500-metre Ibadan Circular Road corridor project. The demolition affects residents in Ido, Lagelu, Ona Ara, Akinyele, Oluyole, and Egbeda local government areas of the state.
For more than a week, landlords and residents from six local government areas staged repeated demonstrations, accusing the government of extending the road corridor beyond what was previously announced.
In the heat of the protest, they performed the Yoruba ritual known as “Akara Ìkú” or “Akara Ẹmí” for Governor Seyi Makinde.
The ritual, carried out at major junctions including Oje, Molete, and Challenge, involved frying and sharing bean cakes while invoking curses and solemn warnings directed at the Governor.
The protesters accused Makinde of neglect, imposition of unpopular monarchs, unpaid salaries and gratuities, and abandoning local government administration.
Reports indicate that similar rituals occurred in Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa, and Ogbomoso, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction.
Palace elders have urged caution, describing Akara Ìkú as a rare and potent traditional invocation. As of press time, the Oyo State Government had not issued a response.
I’m not afraid of death – Makinde
However, on Monday, November 24, during the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill at the Oyo State House of Assembly, Makinde responded to viral videos showing some residents frying Akara in mock protest allegedly aimed at him.
“I saw videos of people frying Akara saying it’s for me on social media. Everyone will die one day; that’s not something to be ashamed of,” the governor said. “I am not bothered because when I took up this job, I came out voluntarily; you didn’t beg me.”
Addressing the tension surrounding the demolition and compensation issues tied to the Circular Road corridor, Makinde assured residents that his administration has not shut the door on dialogue or humane solutions.
“We acknowledge that progress must be people-centered, and we remain committed to ensuring that development remains fair and inclusive,” he said.
Makinde reaffirmed his earlier promise to physically visit the affected communities, interact with residents, and explore “all possibilities including resettlement in addition to compensation.”
He announced that the engagement would begin this week.
“I will honour the promise I made to visit, listen and explore all possibilities… and I will start this week Wednesday. I will visit Ologuneru. So, if you want to fry akara, meet me there; we will eat it together,” he said.