Authorities in Lagos State have announced the upcoming Oro Festival, set to take place across various communities from August 1 to August 15.
The notice to residents and visitors, which went viral on social media on Wednesday, has elicited widespread reactions from Nigerians.
The notice read: “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.”
The timing of the festival has raised eyebrows, as it coincides with the planned #EndBadGovt protest slated for August 1, 2024. The state government, however, has denied any connection between the cultural event and the protest, emphasizing that the Oro Festival is a traditional ritual.
This announcement has stirred memories of the 2023 general elections when the Oro Festival was also declared, leading to residents encountering ritual pots placed at several junctions and in front of houses across the state.
Adding to the tension is Nigeria’s current economic situation. The nation is grappling with a 34.2% inflation rate, the highest in nearly three decades, amidst a cost of living crisis triggered by President Bola Tinubu’s removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023.
The convergence of these events has led to a flurry of reactions on social media, with many questioning the motives behind the timing of the Oro Festival and expressing concerns over potential disruptions. As Lagosians brace for the dual impact of the festival and the protest, the state remains on high alert.
Below are some of the reactions of Nigerians in social media:
