Oyo state protesters

Protesters under the banner of the Oyo State Coalition of Civil Socialists, Labour Activists, and Students marched through parts of Ibadan on Thursday to protest worsening economic hardship, rising insecurity, and the need for genuine electoral reforms.

The peaceful demonstration, held in commemoration of Democracy Day, took place along the Mokola–Adamasingba–Dugbe axis and surrounding areas. The protesters carried placards and chanted slogans, urging both federal and state governments to urgently respond to the sufferings of the masses.

Their demands included an end to hunger and hardship, improved security, reversal of what they described as anti-poor policies imposed by the IMF and World Bank, and a halt to attacks on democratic rights. They also called for comprehensive electoral reforms to strengthen democracy.

Speaking during the protest, Professor Ademola Aremu, former chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan, and current coordinator of the Joint Action Front, emphasized the urgency of the situation.

“We want attention paid to insecurity. We want citizens to be able to sleep peacefully and travel without fear. Farmers should be able to return to their farms and produce food without the threat of violence. These are the basic expectations from any responsible government,” Aremu said.

Security personnel were stationed at key points across the protest route to maintain order and prevent any hijack of the demonstration.