“What concerns us about the Oro Festival?” – Lagos State Government

The Lagos State Government has addressed speculations surrounding its involvement in the Oro festival slated for August 1 to 15, coinciding with planned #EndBadGovernance National protests, explaining that it holds no interference in religious or traditional activities.

In a phone call with PUNCH, Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu explained that the Oro festival, like other religious activities, is protected under constitutional rights which should be respected accordingly and does not concern the government.

Akosile further said that the role of the Lagos state government is to ensure all citizens, regardless of their religious or traditional beliefs, can peacefully exercise their rights. He likened the Oro festival to Muslim and Christian religious practices, stating that the government does not intervene in such lawful activities.

“We don’t interfere with how any religious group conducts their affairs,” Akosile said. “The protesters have their rights, just as traditional worshippers have the right to perform their activities. What concern does the government have in that?“

Oro festival to coincide with #EndBadGovernance Protest

Akosile’s clarification became pertinent amidst concerns that the Oro festival’s was scheduled to overlap with planned protests. This was disclosed in a notice to residents and visitors which went viral on social media on Wednesday.

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The notice read, “Please be informed that the Oro Festival will be observed in various communities across Lagos from 1st of August to August 15. This traditional Yoruba cultural event involves significant rituals.”