Governor Sanwo-Olu directs Lagos protesters to designated parks

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged protesters in Lagos to restrict their demonstrations to two designated parks in the city.

During a broadcast at the State House in Alausa on Wednesday, Sanwo-Olu stated that the state government and the police had jointly established these protest grounds.

In his address, the governor referenced a recent court judgment and previous recommendations, noting, “We have also seen the outcome of the court judgment that the government needed to get clarification, that if it is a true and peaceful protest, two locations, which were part of the recommendations coming from the event of four years ago.”

Sanwo-Olu identified Gani Fawehinmi Park and Peace Park as the sanctioned protest sites, emphasizing that the police have assured full security at these locations. “The Police have confirmed to us that the Gani Fawehinmi Park and the Peace Park that we all jointly set up are two locations where the Police have assured us that they would cover and provide all the necessary security arrangements to all of our citizens,” he said.

The governor also addressed the spread of fake news aimed at destabilizing society, cautioning citizens against misinformation. “It is important for me to also share a word of caution that we have begun to see a trend in which fake news, false news appear on via video and audio recording on social media. They are meant to destabilize us, to break us and to make this place completely ungovernable and unlivable for us.”

Sanwo-Olu expressed his commitment to dialogue and addressing citizens’ concerns, highlighting ongoing engagement with various stakeholders to find solutions that promote justice, equality, and fairness. He urged protesters to consider the potential consequences of their actions.

“I urge you all to consider the potential repercussions of joining a protest that may, once again, expose us to the fiendish actions of those who do not admire our unity and common compassion for our dear state. Let us not allow our city to be plunged into chaos again. Let us work together to build a Lagos that is safe, secure, and prosperous for all. Our strength lies in our unity, and our future depends on our collective efforts to maintain peace and stability.”

In concluding, Governor Sanwo-Olu called for unity and peaceful expression of grievances. “In these challenging times, we must stand together as one community. We must reject violence and disorder and, instead, embrace dialogue and collaboration. Let us show the world that Lagos remains a city of resilience, where the voices of its people are heard and respected through peaceful and lawful means. Let us say no to violence,” he urged.