The Nigeria Police Force has denied accusations that there is a scheme to scare and intimidate voters during the Oro celebration in various areas in Lagos State.
Remember that the traditional monarch of the Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom in Lagos, Oba Saheed Ademola, indicated that Oro rituals would be held in Eti-Osa.
However, the statement sparked outrage among Nigerians, with many accusing it of being a plan to disenfranchise some voters in the state.
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But, according to a statement issued by the monarch’s spokesman, Temitope Oyefeso, movement restrictions for the Oro rituals are in effect from midnight to morning on Wednesday through Saturday, except election day.
During a visit on Channles TV on Friday, Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi announced that the festival had finished.
Adejobi urged voters in the state to execute their civic responsibilities, emphasizing that the governorship and state assembly elections are not under threat.
“When the news went viral that there will be Oro between Wednesday and Thursday, the major city that is concerned is Ikate land where we have Kabiyesi Oba Elegushi and I personally put a call to Kabiyesi to find out what is the situation.
“I am a Yoruba man, and I know what it is when they say they will have Oro cult or Oro festival. I know definitely many people will not be allowed to move particularly women and he clarified and said the Oro festival will end yesterday (Friday).
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‘So, this means it’s not a threat to the electoral process in any way because the election is on Saturday.
“I think if the Oro is over today (Friday), that settles it. So, according to the information I have from Lagos State, the Oro ends today Friday and the election is tomorrow. So, I don’t think it is a threat to the electoral process in any way.”
Adejobi stated that he is unaware of any other communities in the state planning to have the Oro festival on election day, and hence there is no cause for concern.
He did, however, say that if certain people insist on carrying out such activities on election day, the police will deal with the situation as well.
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