The Lagos State Police Command has reached an agreement with 15 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to ensure a peaceful and orderly protest on Wednesday, June 12—Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
According to a statement issued by police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota has been approved as the only designated protest venue in Lagos. The agreement followed an interactive session between the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, and representatives of the CSOs.
At the meeting, CSO leaders expressed varied plans for the day—some opting to peacefully celebrate Democracy Day, while others plan to stage peaceful protests. However, all groups committed to a unified plan: to gather under the Ikeja under-bridge and move together to the protest ground at Ojota.
“It was agreed that no protest will take place anywhere else except at the only designated place—Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota,” Hundeyin said.
The statement also stressed the importance of preventing traffic disruptions and maintaining public order throughout the day’s activities. The CSOs pledged to keep the protest peaceful and to inform other civil society groups not present at the meeting about the resolutions.
The police commissioner assured the public of adequate security across the state and encouraged citizens to remain law-abiding and respectful of others’ rights to participate in or abstain from the day’s activities.
Representatives from various civil society and human rights groups were present at the meeting, including:
- Mr. Akintunde Adedeji (Access to Advocacy & Rights of People)
- Mr. Omokehinde Agbede (Center for Indigene Government Group)
- Mr. Elijah Ajamu-Ojo (Ideal Him Society Advocacy Groups)
- Mr. Buna Olaitan Isaia and Mr. Festus Ojotoro (Human Rights Monitor)
- Mr. Kehinde Adeoye, Comrade Isa Oyetunji, and Mr. Adetunji Oluwatoyin (Committee for the Defence of Human Rights)
- Mr. Adebanjo Adeleke (Beko Ransome-Kuti Group)
- Mr. Falola O. Olurotimi (Rights Kline)
- Mr. Gbenga Ganzallo (Community Development Group)
- Mr. Lasisi Abiodun, Mr. Ibrahim Oluwatobi, and Mr. Agbodemu I. Musbau (CSO Lagos Mainland LGA & Initiatives for Development and Advocacy).
The Lagos Police Command reiterated its readiness to provide necessary security support and urged all participants to help ensure the day’s events remain peaceful and focused on democratic ideals.
