Gubernatorial candidate of Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has urged Lagos residents to troop out en masse on Saturday to elect him amid fears that voters could be dissuaded by the Oro ritual called in some parts of the state.

In a video he released through his Twitter account, the governorship hopeful clarified that the scheduled traditional rite declared by the traditional ruler of Ikate land, Saheed Elegushi, in the Eti Osa Local Government Area of the state, will not hinder the conduct of the elections.

“…traditional rulers know better than to [sic] any festival that will in any way disenfranchise any voters. Carry on our activities, we have barely three days to go interact, network, ensure that we get the maximum voter turnout…” he said.

Although Mr Rhodes-Vivour said he has assurances from Mr Elegushi and other traditional rulers that the rites will not affect the election, logistics for Saturday’s exercise could be adversely affected by the proposed Oro curfew.

Non natives and women are usually hindered from coming out during the Oro ritual.

Per past experiences, INEC transports sensitive and non sensitive election materials in the wee hours on election days so that they can reach voting centres before 8:00 a.m. when voting are scheduled to commence. With the Oro ritual, the movement of many INEC officials will be restricted until the conclusion of the traditional rites Saturday morning.

Ballot counting also in several local governments extend beyond poll closing hours, sometimes into the midnight which raises a potential clash with the worshippers.

A spokesman for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu did not respond to calls and messages seeking clarification on the matter at press time.