The Lagos State Government has clarified that it is not involved in the rumored Oro festival scheduled to take place from August 1 to 15, which coincides with the #EndBadGovernance protest. This statement was made to address concerns about the festival’s timing and its potential impact on the protests.
Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasized that the Oro festival is a traditional religious event, similar to Muslim and Christian activities, and should not be subject to government interference. “Oro festival is like Muslim and Christian activities and has no business with Lagos State government interference. We don’t have a hand in how any religious group goes about their lawful activities,” Akosile stated during a phone conversation with PUNCH Online.
Akosile also highlighted that both the protesters and traditional worshippers have constitutional rights to conduct their activities peacefully. He urged protesters to exercise their rights without disrupting the state’s business activities, ensuring that peace is maintained.
“If anybody wants to protest, they should come out and carry out their right lawfully by not disrupting the business activities in the state. We will not allow the peace of the state to be disrupted. No responsible government will allow it,” he added.
Reflecting on the 2020 #EndSARS protest, which resulted in significant destruction and loss of lives, Akosile reiterated that the Lagos State Government is determined to prevent a repeat of such events.
The announcement comes amidst growing plans for a nationwide protest against economic hardship, set to begin on August 1. The protest, which has garnered substantial support on social media, is expected to occur across all states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
In response to the planned protests, President Bola Tinubu has called for patience and requested the organizers to halt their plans. Through his Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, Tinubu expressed his hope for a peaceful resolution, urging citizens to await the government’s response to their grievances.
“The issue of the planned protest, Mr President does not see any need for that. He’s asked them to shelve that plan. He’s asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas,” Idris conveyed.
However, Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has voiced support for the protests. In a statement, Atiku criticized the Tinubu administration for trying to suppress the protests, arguing that it is futile. He pointed out that Nigerians, including those who supported Tinubu, are suffering from the hardship.
