Oro Festival Set for August 1 in Lagos, Amidst Speculation of Counter-Protest Efforts

Plans appear to be underway to counter the #EndBadGovt protest in Lagos State as traditional worshippers prepare to hold the Oro Festival across the state.

A notice to residents and visitors, which went viral on social media on Wednesday, revealed the plans.

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.”

Suspiciously, the timeframe of the Oro ritual coincides with the #EndBadGovt protest, but the state government has denied any involvement in the cultural event.

Speaking to Peoples Gazette on Wednesday, Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, noted that, just as the youths intended to exercise their right to protest, traditional worshippers also have the right to perform their activities.

Mr. Akosile advised both protesters and Oro adherents to respect each other’s rights to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

“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. It doesn’t change 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 a crisis. Let everybody be doing their thing.”

Mr. Akosile added that if the protest turned violent, security agencies would intervene to prevent bloodshed.

Ahead of the 2023 general elections in the state, the Oro Festival was also declared, with residents witnessing pots of rituals placed at several junctions and in front of some houses across the state.

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

However, it was believed that the scheduling of the ritual event was intended to prevent voters opposed to the ruling party from voting freely for candidates of their choice.