Oro Festival: We Are Not Involved – Lagos Govt Clarifies

The Lagos State Government has distanced itself from the reported forthcoming Oro festival, which is set for August 1-15 and coincides with the #EndBadGovernance protest.

Last night, an X account declared that the traditional celebration will take place on the same dates as the strike. Certain Nigerians have accused the political elite and the state administration of ”politicising the holiday” in an attempt to scare certain state residents from participating in the strike.

However, in an interview with Punch, Gboyega Akosile, the state’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stated that the Oro celebration, like other religious festivals, has no input from the state government.

He claimed that no one questions the government when other religions conduct their activities. He stated that traditional worshippers deserve the same respect because they have the freedom to worship according to the constitution and can carry out their legitimate activities.

“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.

“The protesters have their rights just like the traditional worshippers who want to perform their activities too. What is our business in that?

“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 said.

Akosile alluded to the 2020 #EndSARS protest, which resulted in property destruction and the loss of lives in the state, saying the state government is concerned about its reappearance and will work to prevent it from happening again.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli