The Lagos State Government has reiterated that protests planned for October 1 must be confined to two designated venues—Freedom Park in Ojota and Peace Park in Ketu—to ensure public safety and order. This follows a directive from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and a Lagos High Court ruling restricting protests in the state to these locations.
During a press briefing last Thursday, the protest organizers had announced their plan to commence the demonstration at Ikeja under bridge, marching through various streets to raise awareness on what they described as “anti-poor policies” of the federal government. They also requested the Lagos Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola, to provide security for the protest in line with the Police Establishment Act of 2020.
Responding to journalists’ questions on Sunday, Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, emphasized that while Governor Sanwo-Olu supports the right of residents to express their views through protests, such activities must be conducted within the law. Pedro cited sections of the Nigerian Constitution and the Police Act, which allow the governor to direct the Commissioner of Police to ensure public safety during such events.
Pedro also pointed out that a pending court order prohibits protests outside the designated venues, adding that the government will not permit street protests, as they could be hijacked by criminal elements. He urged organizers to respect the court’s ruling and utilize the approved locations to ensure adequate security and traffic management.
He concluded by advising the organizers to reconsider their plan to take the protests to the streets, noting that other residents’ rights should not be infringed upon, and property damage could occur if the demonstration is hijacked, as seen during the #EndSARS protests.
The government insists that using the designated venues would allow protesters to safely express their concerns without disrupting the social and economic activities in Lagos.
