The Lagos State Government has denied its involvement in the rumored upcoming Oro festival scheduled for August 1 to 15, the same date as the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest.

This information was conveyed by Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the state’s Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during a telephone call.

He emphasized that the Oro festival is a religious activity similar to others held across the country.

Akosile urged Nigerians to show the same respect to traditional worshippers as they do to other religious groups, as it is their right to worship and conduct their lawful activities.

He pointed out that the government does not interfere in the religious practices of any group, be it Muslim, Christian, or traditional worshippers.

“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.

“The protesters have their rights just like the traditional worshippers who want to perform their activities too. What is our business in that?” he queried.

On Thursday, July 25, 2024, Nigerians expressed their dissatisfaction on social media after a notice was circulated about the Oro festival scheduled for August 1-15, the same period as the planned nationwide protest set for August 1-10.

Many believed that the Oro festival notice was a political tactic by the government to prevent the protest from occurring in Lagos.