Plans to counter protests in Lagos with Oro Festival spark controversy

Traditional worshippers have announced plans to hold the Oro Festival from August 1 to August 15, coinciding with the scheduled #EndBadGovt protest.

The announcement has sparked suspicions that the cultural event might be a strategic move to counter the protests.

The notice, which went viral on social media, warned residents and visitors of the impending rituals.

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

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has denied any involvement in orchestrating the festival to undermine the protest.

Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor said the protesters and the traditional worshippers have the right to their activities.

Speaking to Peoples Gazette, Akosile 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.”

Akosile further advised both parties to respect each other’s rights to prevent any conflicts.

“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,” he said.

Despite the government’s assurances, there are concerns about possible clashes between the protesters and the Oro adherents.

Akosile, however, noted that security agencies would be on standby to ensure that any protests that turn violent do not escalate into a bloody confrontation.

The Oro Festival’s timing has raised eyebrows, particularly because of its historical use during politically sensitive periods.

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, a similar declaration of the Oro Festival saw ritual pots placed at several junctions and in front of houses across the state.

Just three days before the March 18, 2023, governorship election, the traditional ruler of the Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Saheed Ademola, declared a three-day “Oro rites,” claiming it was an annual event.