“Do Not Use Oro to Intimidate Protesters, Gbedebo Rhodes-Vivour Cautions Lagos Government”

Gbedebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate, has issued a warning against using the traditional Yoruba ritual, Oro, to intimidate protesters ahead of a planned nationwide protest against poor governance and economic crisis. Rhodes-Vivour accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of disrespecting Yoruba traditional institutions, emphasizing that the Yoruba are known for their commitment to justice and fairness.

His statement on Thursday came after a Wednesday announcement on the Lagospedia X handle, stating that traditionalists in Lagos had scheduled Oro from August 1 to 15. The Lagos State government was accused of organizing the Oro event to suppress the “EndBadGovernanceInNigeria” protest planned for August 1.

Rhodes-Vivour said, “The APC’s use of Oro to intimidate protesters is an affront to our traditional institutions. Using such a sacred ritual for political purposes undermines our culture and corrupts our revered practices. The Yoruba prioritize justice and fairness and do not tolerate tyranny from their leaders.”

While advocating for peace and patience among the youth, he stressed the importance of respecting the right to peaceful assembly and called on traditional leaders to condemn the misuse of Oro and protect the integrity of their institutions.
Peoplesmind