June 12: Tension as pro, anti-government rallies clash at Ikeja

Two rival rallies held simultaneously under the Ikeja Bridge on Friday descended into a tense standoff as human rights activists and pro-government supporters struggled for control of the protest venue, prompting police intervention to prevent a breakdown of order.

The first demonstration was organised by human rights advocates and civic activists, including Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana, #EndBadGovernance campaigner Hassan Taiwo Soweto, and other civil society groups.

The protesters gathered to demand urgent action on insecurity across the country, including recent cases of kidnappings and attacks in several states.

Shortly after, a counter-rally was staged at the same location by a group identifying as “Team Nigeria,” which declared its support for President Bola Tinubu.

Both groups occupied overlapping sections beneath the bridge, each deploying loud public address systems and music equipment in an attempt to dominate the space.

The competing sound systems quickly turned the area into a noisy confrontation zone, heightening tensions and nearly resulting in physical clashes before security operatives moved in.

A police team led by CSP Akinwumi Oke was deployed to restore calm and manage crowd control, as officers attempted to separate both camps and prevent escalation.

The atmosphere became more charged when prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana arrived at the venue alongside his wife, Funmi Falana, and their son, popular entertainer Falz.

Their presence energized the anti-government protesters, who raised chants demanding accountability and reform.

Despite the growing tension, the pro-government group continued to blast music at high volume, further intensifying the standoff between both sides.

Addressing the crowd, Falana said the protest was triggered by worsening insecurity in the country, citing recent abductions in Oyo, Zamfara, Kebbi, and other states.

He added that the demonstration also sought to draw attention to economic hardship, police harassment, and what he described as declining democratic standards.

“What we have in Nigeria is civil rule, not democracy,” Falana told supporters, urging authorities to respect citizens’ right to peaceful assembly.

He also called on the police to ensure that the pro-government rally did not disrupt the protest or escalate tensions at the venue.

As of the time of filing this report, security operatives remained on ground working to maintain order and prevent further confrontation between both groups