The Lagos State Police Command has reached a formal agreement with 15 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) regarding the modalities of planned protests scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, in commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
According to the police, all participating groups have agreed that Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota will serve as the only approved venue for all protest-related activities in Lagos. This consensus was achieved during a strategic engagement held between the Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, and leaders of the CSOs on Wednesday.
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, who disclosed the outcome in a statement, described the meeting as an “interactive engagement” aimed at ensuring a peaceful and coordinated expression of democratic rights.
“All protesting groups agreed to converge on Ikeja Under-Bridge simultaneously and jointly proceed to Gani Fawehinmi Park at Ojota to protest,” the statement read.
Hundeyin further stated that while half of the CSOs intend to mark the day through peaceful celebration, the other half will engage in what was described as “orderly protests” without disrupting public peace.
“It was also agreed that no protest will take place anywhere else except at the only designated place at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota,” he added.
Concerns about possible security breaches were also addressed. The police urged all CSOs to ensure the protest is not hijacked by hoodlums or miscreants. Organisers were reminded to avoid blocking traffic or engaging in any actions that could infringe on the rights of other Lagosians.
“The CSOs assured the Commissioner of Police that they will communicate the outcome of the meeting and the resolutions reached to other CSOs not in attendance to ensure widespread compliance,” the police statement noted.
Commissioner Jimoh also reiterated the command’s commitment to providing adequate security across the state on Democracy Day, encouraging Lagos residents to remain law-abiding and exercise their rights peacefully.
Leaders of the CSOs present at the meeting included Mr Akintunde Adedeji (Access to Advocacy & Rights of People), Mr Omokehinde Agbede (Centre for Indigene Government Group), Mr Elijah Ajamu-Ojo (Ideal Him Society Advocacy Groups), and Mr Buna Olaitan Isaia (Human Rights Monitor).
Others were Mr Festus Ojotoro, Mr Kehinde Adeoye, Mr Adebanjo Adeleke, Mr Falola O. Olurotimi, Comrade Isa Oyetunji, Mr Gbenga Ganzallo, Mr Lasisi Abiodun, Mr Ibrahim Oluwatobi, Mr Adetunji Oluwatoyin, Mr Agbodemu I. Musbau, and representatives from Initiatives for Development and Advocacy.
Lagosians are expected to observe Democracy Day under the watchful coordination of both civil society and the police, amid growing calls for accountability and participatory governance.
