In a recent statement, the Lagos State Government has made it clear that it is not involved with the rumored Oro festival scheduled to take place from August 1 to 15.
This time period coincides with the planned #EndBadGovernance protest.
Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, likened the Oro festival to other religious activities held across the country. He noted that the government does not interfere with how various religious groups conduct their lawful practices.
“Oro festival is like Muslim and Christian activities and has no business with Lagos State government interference,” Akosile stated in a telephone conversation with PUNCH Online. “We don’t have a hand in how any religious group goes about their lawful activities.”
The government official emphasized that the same respect should be maintained for traditional worshippers, as they have the constitutional right to worship according to their beliefs and carry out their lawful exercises.
Akosile further commented, “The protesters have their rights just like the traditional worshippers who want to perform their activities too. What is our business in that?”
The Lagos State Government’s stance underscores its position of neutrality regarding the upcoming Oro festival and the planned #EndBadGovernance protest, allowing both groups to exercise their respective rights.