- Oro traditional festival is set to take place from August 1 to August 15 in Lagos State
- The state government denied having any involvement in the festival scheduling
- The government further emphasised that traditional worshippers have the right to their activities, just as the youths have the right to protest
Traditional worshippers are set to hold the Oro Festival across Lagos State from August 1 to August 15, which many believe will limit the effectiveness of the upcoming nationwide protest set for August 1.
On Wednesday, July 24, residents and visitors were informed of the Oro festival date via social media notice.
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.”
Lagos government denies involvement with festival
The state government, however, disclaimed any involvement in the cultural event. Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasised that traditional worshippers have the right to their activities, just as the youths have the right to protest.
He said, “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. I’m not sure it removes anything from the fact that they have their right to carry out their traditional worship.”
Protesters and worshippers have their rights
He further said, “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 crisis, let everybody be doing their thing”.
The Oro Festival is a Yoruba traditional festival that requires females and non-natives to stay indoors which many believe the scheduling of the ritual event is a tactic to hinder the proposed nationwide protest.
The New York Times report on Nigeria’s economy has got Tinubu and citizens talking
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the New York Times report on Nigeria's economy had sparked discussion among citizens and the President.
According to the report, Nigerians are facing the worst economic crises, adding that the government is making it difficult for businesses to operate.