The protesters, under the Make Ogun State Great Again movement, came from communities including Ota, Sango, Oju, Ijoko, Abule Aro, Lambe, Akute, Papalanto, Iyana Iyesi, Orimerunmu, Ago Adura and Onibuku.
MOGA convener Olawoye Kayode said the barefoot march was a symbolic representation of the hardship residents were experiencing.
“We stand before you as the living breath of the state: the artisans, market women, youths, elders, and every citizen,” the convener declared. “Look at our feet… We came barefoot deliberately, because our bare feet tell a story that must be understood. Our bare feet represent our hardship. We walked barefoot today because your government has left us bare.”
Olawoye alleged that despite what he described as billions of naira spent on state overhead costs, infrastructure along major economic corridors, including Sango, Ota, Akute and Ijoko, had deteriorated, while small traders continued to face multiple taxation.
“Yes, we came to Oke-Mosan today to demand an end to political slavery in the state. We are here to declare that the state does not belong to a selected few,” the convener added.
“The allocations that come into the state belong to the people. The internally generated revenue (IGR) is squeezed from our sweat. We are not slaves begging for crumbs from the master’s table. We are citizens. We are taxpayers,” he added.
He said the protesters had previously written to the governor over their concerns but had not received the response they wanted.
“We are here to protest the lack of good roads, lack of health centres, lack of electricity… like everything is down. So, we’ve been writing to the governor, but he has not been attending to us. We have now chosen the delegates to come and see the governor face-to-face. That’s why we are here.”
The protesters presented four demands, including urgent road rehabilitation and increased infrastructure funding for communities they said had been neglected.
They also called for a review of multiple taxation affecting small traders and local transport workers.
The group demanded a transparent framework to ensure communities receive a fair share of federal allocations and state revenues. It also called for the implementation of local government financial autonomy to strengthen councils’ ability to address grassroots needs.
Olawoye urged the state government to respond to their demands.
“Your Excellency, we have come in absolute peace. We have come to make our voices heard, and we urge your administration to listen to the people and respond to these demands for the greatness of our dear state.”
The Special Adviser to the governor on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (rtd.), who received the protesters, commended them for maintaining peace and said their concerns would be conveyed to Gov. Dapo Abiodun.
Subair said: “Normally, the Governor was supposed to be here to see you, but due to some exigencies, he is not available. He has delegated me to come, receive you, and speak to you. Let me commend you for the mature manner in which you have organized this protest walk. I want to inform you that just last month, the Governor and the Executive Council approved the construction and reconstruction of several roads, and that work is already ongoing.
“We know that everything you have tabled here represents genuine concerns, and you have proven yourselves to be noble advocates for the grievances of the people. I want to express my sincere appreciation and assure you that your coming here today will not be in vain.
“Just as you mentioned in your speech—that you trust something positive will come out of this walk—I assure you that everything you have presented will be brought directly to the Governor, and action will definitely be taken. You will see the results of your march today.
Subair urged the protesters to remain peaceful as they returned to their communities and assured them that the document containing their demands would be delivered to the governor. “I will receive the document you brought and pass it directly to the Governor. As you head back, please continue to remain peaceful and ensure that no hoodlums are allowed to hijack your march,” he said.
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