The Lagos State Government has denied any involvement in the rumoured Oro festival, reportedly scheduled to take place from August 1 to 15, 2024, coinciding with the #EndBadGovernance protest. The government compared the festival to other religious activities held nationwide.
An X user, @lagospedia, sparked controversy by posting that the Oro festival, a traditional Yoruba cultural event involving significant rituals, would be held in Lagos starting August 1. The post generated mixed reactions online.
In a telephone interview with The PUNCH on Thursday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, stated that the government does not interfere with religious activities. He emphasized that traditional worshippers have the constitutional right to practice their religion and should be allowed to conduct their rituals peacefully.
“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 said.
He stressed that protesters also have the right to demonstrate but must do so without disrupting business activities or the peace of the state. Referring to the 2020 #EndSARS protests, which resulted in property damage and loss of lives, Akosile noted that the government is determined to prevent a recurrence.
The PUNCH previously reported that some Nigerians are planning to protest against economic hardship from August 1 to 10, 2024, with demonstrations scheduled to take place across all states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
