There appears to be plans to counter the #EndBadGovt protest in Lagos State as traditional worshippers are set to hold Oro Festival across the state.

This was disclosed in a notice to residents and visitors which went viral on social media on Wednesday.

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.”

Suspiciously, the timeframe of the Oro ritual coincides with the #EndBadGovt, but the state government has however denied having a hand in the cultural event.

Speaking to Peoples Gazette on Wednesday, Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, however noted that, like the youths intended to exercise their right to protest, traditional worshippers also have the right to perform their activities.

Mr Akosile however advised the protesters and Oro adherents not to stand in each other’s way to prevent breakdown of law and order. 

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.

“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.’’

Mr Akosile however noted that if the protest turned violent, security agencies would be on hand to ensure that it didn’t turn bloody.

Recall that ahead of the 2023 general elections in the state, Oro Festival was also declared with residents witnessing pots of rituals placed on several junctions and in front of some houses across the state.

Three days to the March 18, 2023 governorship election in the state, the traditional ruler of the Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Saheed Ademola, was reported to have declared a three-day “Oro rites,” claiming the festival was an annual event.

It was however believed that the scheduling of the ritual event was to prevent voters opposed to the ruling party from voting freely for candidates of their choice.