Lagos govt not planning to replace statues of icons

The Lagos State Government has rubbished rumours of a planned replacement of the statues of late Chief MKO Abiola and late Chief Gani Fawehinmi at the Ojota parks.

The state's Acting Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Adebimpe Akinshola, responded to the rumour on Tuesday June 13, 2017, saying the ongoing work at the park is only a remodeling project.

According to her, "Rather than replace the two conspicuous monuments, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture with the approval of His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the Governor of Lagos State, commissioned group of artistes to remodel the entire park and erect a new but bigger, better and more aesthetic sculpture of the two prominent Nigerians for better appreciation of their contribution to the development of Nigeria."

She said the work on Chief MKO Abiola statue, which started in January, is almost completed and will be accompanied by a new water fountain.

She also said the Ojota park, which also houses Chief Fawehinmi's statue, will be accompanied by a new work of art titled "The Possibility", and will also feature a designated mini park.

The Akinwunmi Ambode-led government recently embarked on an artistic project that approved the erection of 29 sculptures and monuments to adorn strategic locations in the state.

Six of them have been completed and unveiled officially. They are: Prince Olofin (erected at Ijora); Prince Ado (erected at Moloney Junction, Lagos); Ojuloge (erected opposite the National Theatre), The Drummer (erected at Ipakodo, Ikorodu), Youth Empowerment (erected at Sabo Yaba), The Fisherman (erected at Badagry junction).