By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – A planned peaceful protest by members of the Akoko-Edo Development Association (AEDA), also known as the Akoko-Edo Forum, was on Tuesday disrupted by a pro-President Bola Tinubu rally in Igarra, headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

The protesters had assembled at Market Junction, from where they intended to march to the council secretariat to express concerns over insecurity and what they described as the marginalisation of the area in the distribution of developmental projects.

However, the protest was halted after another group carrying pro-Tinubu banners converged on the same venue and began a political rally. To avoid a possible clash, security operatives advised the AEDA members to suspend their demonstration.

Speaking to journalists, the Worldwide Chairman of the forum, Dr. Charles Jagun, said the protest was aimed at drawing attention to years of neglect by successive administrations and concerns over representation at both state and federal levels.

Jagun highlighted the security challenges in the area, noting that Akoko-Edo’s strategic location as a border region should attract more development.

“The local government shares boundaries with the North and the West, which should place it at a strategic advantage. Instead, insecurity is a major concern, while critical roads, including the federal road linking Auchi to Igarra through Ibillo, remain in poor condition,” he said.

He also called on elected representatives to intensify efforts in addressing the challenges facing the constituency, including infrastructure deficits and security issues.

“We need improved representation and attention to the needs of our people. All we are saying is that Akoko-Edo must change,” he added.

Also speaking, a member of the forum, Dr. Dele Yaya, acknowledged development efforts in other parts of Edo State but noted that residents of Akoko-Edo were seeking similar attention.

Reacting, the Secretary to the Local Government (SLG), Topa Okomayin, said the rally was organised by a group of youths and that the council was not aware of the planned protest. He explained that both groups happened to gather at the same location.