The Lagos State Police Command and leaders of several civil society groups have reached an understanding regarding the planned protests scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 12, in Lagos. After holding a joint meeting, both parties agreed to maintain order and ensure all activities related to the protest are carried out peacefully and in a single location.
The agreement was made during a session involving the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, and representatives from 15 civil society organisations (CSOs). According to the police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, the discussions were productive, with both sides committed to ensuring that Democracy Day events in Lagos are not disrupted by disorder or violence.
As a result of the meeting, it was decided that Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota would be the only authorised site for all protest activities on that day. Protesters from all participating CSOs are expected to first gather under the Ikeja Bridge and then proceed together to the park in an organised and unified manner.
“All protesting groups agreed to converge on Ikeja Under-Bridge simultaneously and jointly proceed to Gani Fawehinmi Park at Ojota to protest,” Hundeyin stated. “It was also agreed that no protest will take place anywhere else except at the only designated place at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota.”
The police also shared concerns about public safety and traffic management during the rally. Organisers were asked to ensure that demonstrators conduct themselves responsibly and that no protest spills into other parts of the city. There were warnings against allowing the event to be hijacked by individuals with criminal intent.
“The CSOs assured the Commissioner of Police that they will communicate the outcome of the meeting and the resolutions reached to other CSOs not in attendance to ensure widespread compliance,” Hundeyin added.
Commissioner Jimoh also noted that law enforcement officers will be fully deployed to maintain security across Lagos during the day’s celebrations and urged all residents to remain calm and law-abiding.
Present at the meeting were CSO representatives including Mr. Akintunde Adedeji (Access to Advocacy & Rights of People), Mr. Omokehinde Agbede (Center for Indigene Government Group), Mr. Elijah Ajamu-Ojo (Ideal Him Society Advocacy Groups), and Mr. Buna Olaitan Isaia (Human Rights Monitor). Other participants included Mr. Festus Ojotoro, Mr. Kehinde Adeoye, Comrade Isa Oyetunji, Mr. Adebanjo Adeleke, Mr. Falola O. Olurotimi, and Mr. Gbenga Ganzallo, among others.
