Traditional worshippers are set to hold Oro Festival across Lagos State in a bid to thwart the #EndBadGovt protest.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) understands that the protest had been scheduled for the 1st of August, 2024 by Nigerians, particularly the youths to express grievances on hardship and the rising cost of living and staple foods in the country.
This was disclosed in a notice to residents and visitors, and it went viral on social media on Wednesday.
The notice read, “Please be informed that the Oro Festival will be observed in various communities across Lagos from August 1 to August 15. This traditional Yoruba cultural event involves significant rituals.”
The state government has, however, denied having a hand in the cultural event, which timeframe coincides with the #EndBadGovt protest.
On Wednesday, Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, noted that traditional worshippers also have the right to perform their activities like the youths intended to exercise their right to protest.
Akosile, however advised the protesters and Oro adherents not to stand in each other’s way to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
He said, “I saw it just like every other person did. Did you see any signatory to this statement? The answer is no! If it’s not endorsed, then it’s a nullity. However, traditional religious worshippers have the right to carry out their worship at any time. Whether it coincides with the dates of the protests or not. I’m not sure it removes anything from the fact that they have their right to carry out their traditional worship.
“You want to protest, I want to do my worship, it’s my right. It is now right versus right. As long as your own right does not disturb my own right, there won’t be crisis, let everybody be doing their thing.’’
Akosile however noted that if the protest turned violent, security agencies would be on hand to ensure that it didn’t turn bloody.