Palpable fears grip the residents of Lagos as the planned October 1 #FEARLESS Protest draws nearer.
According to Africa Health Report AHR, checks their fear is over the likelihood of appearance of the Oro masquerades on the streets of Lagos on Independence Day.
Previously, the Oro masquerades were released to the streets when mass protests were announced by the conveners. A resident, Ademola Shotunbi recalling the last incident said, the Oro was used to scuttle the planned August 1 #ENDBADGOVERNANCE protest in the state.
Also, some residents of Ikorodu, Lagos, are speaking out against the Oro festival, citing experiences of palpable fear, intimidation, harassment, and violence during the celebration.
Mr. Taiwo Aleshinloye and Janet Akinola are among those who have expressed concerns, joining a chorus of voices calling for greater transparency and accountability surrounding the festival.
“The situation is very worse in Ikorodu where I live any time the Oro festival falls on week days. As a civil servant who works at Yaba, it means we won’t be able to go out for work, much so that I am a woman.”, Mrs. Akinola lamented.
Our correspondent reports that, “The Oro festival, a deeply ingrained tradition in Yoruba culture, has become a lightning rod for controversy and conflict in southwestern Nigeria, particularly in Lagos. This ancient celebration, once a symbol of community and heritage, now sparks division, fear, and violence.”
Despite its cultural significance, the Oro ritual has historically sparked tension between its adherents and followers of other faiths.
Chief Arike Olorisha a traditionalist, in an exclusive interview with AHR said the restrictions during the Oro Festival holds significant cultural and spiritual value for the Yoruba people.
“I understand concerns expressed by some people, but our practices don’t harm anyone. We restrict access for safety and sanctity. Just as other religions have sacred spaces and rituals.” Olorisha said.
The Oro Festival has always ignited controversy in Lagos State, a cosmopolitan center, with critics claiming that it is an onslaught on the rights of the residents.
In August, there was an announcement that the Oro festival would hold. Many Nigerians saw it as plans to counter and disrupt the #EndBadGovt protest and social order in the state due to its timing, as traditional worshippers vowed that there was no going back on their decision.
It will also be recalled that the Oro festival was scheduled in March 2023 which raised concerns that it might be used to suppress dissenting voices ahead of the general elections.
However, it is unclear if the Lagos state government will release Oro masquerades to the streets on October 1. Attempts by our correspondent to get official comments over the issue and building tension were futile.
In August, the Lagos State Government clarified its neutral stance on the Oro Festival through a statement by Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasizing that it is not involved in its organization.
