The Lagos State Government has said it won’t interfere in the rumoured upcoming Oro festival scheduled for August 1 to 15.
The government likened it to other religious activities held across the country.
It is understood that the traditional ritual coincides with the #EndBadGovernance protest slated for the same period.
Speaking in a telephone conversation with PUNCH Online, Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the state’s Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said no one questions the government when other religions hold their activities.
He noted that the same respect should be maintained for traditional worshippers because they have the right to worship according to the constitution and can go about their lawful exercises.
“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?”
“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 said.