LASG denies involvement in rumored Oro festival amid planned protest

The Lagos State government has denied any involvement in the rumored Oro festival scheduled for August 1-15, 2024, which coincides with the planned #EndBadGovernance protest.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, addressed these rumors on Thursday, clarifying the government’s position.

Akosile emphasized that the government does not interfere with religious activities, including traditional worship.

Drawing parallels with Muslim and Christian events, he highlighted that traditional worshippers have the constitutional right to practice their faith without government interference.

“Oro festival is like Muslim and Christian activities and has no business with Lagos State government interference. We don’t have a hand in how any religious group goes about their lawful activities,” Akosile stated.

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He further noted that the government’s primary focus is on maintaining peace and order, ensuring that both protests and religious activities do not disrupt business operations in the state.

“The protesters have their rights just like the traditional worshippers who want to perform their activities too. What is our business in that? If anybody wants to protest, they should come out and carry out their right lawfully by not disrupting the business activities in the state. We will not allow the peace of the state to be disrupted. No responsible government will allow it,” he added.

The government’s clarification follows a social media post that sparked mixed reactions about the Oro festival. Akosile reiterated that the government respects the rights of all groups to exercise their lawful activities, including protesters and traditional worshippers.