Nigerians are reacting strongly after the announcement that the Oro Festival will be held from August 1 to August 15, coinciding with the period some groups plan to hold #EndBadGovt protests.
The announcement, made in a notice to Lagos residents that went viral on social media on Wednesday, July 24, stated, “Please be informed that the Oro Festival will be observed in various communities across Lagos from 1st of August to August 15. This traditional Yoruba cultural event involves significant rituals.”
This news comes just days after some groups announced their intention to stage demonstrations across the country from August 1 to August 10 to protest economic hardship.
Nigerians on X are now accusing the Lagos State government of using the Oro Festival for political purposes. They recall a similar situation in 2023, ahead of the Lagos State governorship election, when the timing of the Oro Festival was criticized as a strategy to prevent voters opposed to the ruling party from voting freely.
One X user, @OurFavOnlineDoc, commented: “Oro festival in Lagos now allegedly scheduled for the first two weeks of August. The exact same period of the planned protests by the youths. Chaiii 😠So after turning billionaires to podcasters 😂 this govt don dey turn our ancestors to political jobbers 😂 😂 😂”
Another user, @Big Ayo, tweeted: “All of sudden, they want to perform Oro festival from August 1-15 in Lagos. They are looking for all ways to stop that protest 🤣🤣🤣”
