Religion

How Tinubu’s Allies Plan Oro Festival to Counter Protest

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 25th, 2024.

How Tinubu’s Allies Plan Oro Festival to Counter Protest

Plans appear to be in motion to counter the #EndBadGovt protest in Lagos State with the organization of the Oro Festival by traditional worshippers across the state. This development was revealed in a notice that went viral on social media on Wednesday.

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

The timing of the Oro Festival has raised suspicions due to its overlap with the scheduled #EndBadGovt protest. However, the state government has denied any involvement in the cultural event. Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stated to Peoples Gazette on Wednesday that, just as the youths have the right to protest, traditional worshippers have the right to perform their rituals.

Akosile emphasized that both groups should respect each other’s rights to prevent any disruption of public order. He said, “I saw it just like everyone else 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 a crisis, let everybody do their thing.”

Akosile also noted that security agencies would be on standby to prevent any violence if the protest turned disorderly.

It is worth recalling that the Oro Festival was similarly declared before the 2023 general elections, leading to the placement of ritual pots at various junctions and in front of some houses across Lagos. 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,” which was claimed to be an annual event. However, it was believed that the timing was intended to discourage voters opposed to the ruling party from freely casting their ballots.