Sanwo-Olu Warns Traditionalists against Oro Rites Restricting Movement ahead of Guber Polls 

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has warned traditional institutions ahead of Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections. His warning comes in response to news that some traditional rulers had scheduled Oro rites in their communities for Saturday.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the governor charged the traditionalists to respect the rights of citizens who are not of their faith.

He told Lagosians that there is no need to entertain fears as the elections will be peaceful. The statement reads in part, “Residents are advised to go about their civic duties as the state government has called on all security personnel to guarantee the peace and safety of lives and property before, during, and after elections.”

Sanwo-Olu address traditionalists 

Sanwo-Olu who reiterated the freedom of religion in the state, “cautioned traditional institutions holding customary rites to ensure the activities do not infringe on the fundamental rights of citizens, especially during the elections.”

He said, “Anybody planning to foment trouble will have the law to contend with. Our state is peaceful and it will remain so.”

Earlier, The traditional ruler of the Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Saheed Ademola (Kusenla III), had declared a three-day Oro rite on non-indigenes and women from midnight to 5:30 a.m., including on Saturday’s governorship and state assembly election day. 

Temitope Oyefeso, the special assistant on media affairs to the Ikate Kingdom’s monarch, who confirmed the development said, “Elections are held during the day, and by morning we will open the roads for people to come. It is a traditional rite. But unfortunately, it has come at this time. It is an annual event, and this is not the first time. We are not disrupting any process.”

Orò Festival is an annual traditional festival that is patriarchal. It is only celebrated by male descendants who are paternal natives of the specific locations where the particular event is taking place.