“It Will Not Stop The Protest!” – Nigerians React To Oro Festival Announcement From August 1 -15th
Some groups announced that there will be a nationwide demonstration across states in the country from August 1 to August 10 to protest economic hardship in the country.
The protest with the hashtag #EndBadGovt protest has been brewing in the news after it was announced and Nigerians have been encouraged to join in.
Just a few days to the protest, an account on X @Lagospedia announced that the Oro Festival will be held from August 1 to August 15, conveniently coinciding with the time that the #EndBadGovt protest is scheduled to hold.
The festival was disclosed in a notice to Lagos residents which went viral on social media on Wednesday, July 24.
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.”
Nigerians are now reacting to the announcement saying this is a plan by the government to stop the protests.
They are accusing the Lagos State government of using the Oro festival for political purposes, however, the state government has denied having a hand in the cultural event.
Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, however noted that, like the youths intended to exercise their right to protest, traditional worshippers also have the right to perform their activities.
Mr Akosile however advised the protesters and Oro adherents not to stand in each other’s way to prevent 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.”
Mr Akosile however noted that if the protest turned violent, security agencies would be on hand to ensure that it didn’t turn bloody.
Recall that ahead of the 2023 general elections in the state, Oro Festival was also declared with residents witnessing pots of rituals placed on several junctions and in front of some houses across the state.
Three days to the March 18, 2023 governorship election in the state, the traditional ruler of the Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Saheed Ademola, was reported to have declared a three-day “Oro rites,” claiming the festival was an annual event.
It was however believed that the scheduling of the ritual event was to prevent voters opposed to the ruling party from voting freely for candidates of their choice.
Read How Nigerians Are Reacting To The Oro Festival Announcement Below
Oro festival in Lagos now allegedly scheduled for the first two weeks of August. The exact same period of the planned protests by the youths.
Chaiii 😭
So after turning billionaires to podcasters 😂 this govt don dey turn our ancestors to political jobbers 😂 😂 😂
God abeg.
Dear Lagos Youths, do not allow any Politician Deceive you. NIGERIANS ARE ANGRY. If you have been drafted for this Oro festival to cause Chaos from August 1st Pls Refuse for the sake of your Life.
You will be Severely Beaten & Stripped Naked. Leave BAT to face his FokUp.
Oro festival that people of Igbogbo Ikorodu carry on their head is what APC boys are using to score political points. Yoruba did not ronu now o. Until people start desecrating that traditional rite just as they are doing, Yoruba will remember to ronu.
Enu e la jo wa yen.
If you insist on the Oro Festival taking place on the 1st of August, no problem.
Only women aren’t allowed to see the Oro masquerade. Men are allowed, so men will continue the protest, while the Oro festival continues.
They have dragged Yoruba gods & culture into politics. Deciding to hold Oro Festival on the days of peaceful protests against Bad Governance, is cowardice.
No one disrespects Yoruba Culture more the Lagos APC. I hope you won’t accuse non-Yorubas of disrespecting Yoruba culture?
You guys are easily predictable.
Your Oro festival is now a political tool.
I’m happy you guys are the ones bringing it to ridicule. We’ll help you ridicule it the more, don’t worry.
Bunch of reprobates.
