Organizers Suspend Nationwide Protest In Osun, Citing Annual Traditional Festival

By Ayodele Oni

Organizers of the ongoing nationwide Protests in Osun state have agreed to suspend their action.

They adduced the action to an earlier meeting with the state government during which their demands were presented to the deputy governor of the state, Kola Adewusi, who received them.

It was however gathered that the suspension might not be unconnected with the 2024 edition of the Osun Osogbo Festival which normally attracts tourists coming from different part of Nigeria and around the world.

Statement by the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens: EndBadGovernance reads in parts:

“We the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens, the organizing body of the EndBadGovernance protest in Osun State, wish to address the public and the media regarding the ongoing Protest, which began on the 1st of August 2024 and marks its 6th day today.

“Since the inception of this peaceful protest, we have made our demands clear, seeking immediate action from our leaders to address the pressing issues affecting the citizens of our beloved state and country.

“We acknowledge the recent address by the President of Nigeria; however, we express our profound disappointment as the President speech failed to address any of our specific demands.

“Despite this setback, today we successfully presented our demands to the Governor of Osun State through the deputy governor and Secretary to the State Government, who told us that the Governor will forward our demands to the federal Executive Council.

“Furthermore, we reviewed the security situation vis-a- vis the Osun Osogbo festival presently ongoing at Osogbo.

“It is worthy of note to establish that Protest is incidentally taking place in Osogbo which is of concern.

“Considering the safety of the influx of tourists coming for the global Osun osogbo festival and the possibility of hoodlums disguising as tourist and unleashing attacks on peaceful protesters amidst other security concerns, we consider it imperative to put the protest on hold today 6th August, 2024.

“While we salute the courage of peaceful protesters, we urge concerned citizens to remain resolute on our demands and continue to ventilate the same while planning for the next stage of the struggle should incase the demands are not meant .

“We urge the government to act promptly and decisively on the issues we have raised.

“The Coalition will remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that our demands are met while we call on all participants and supporters to stay united and await further updates on the progress of our engagement with the government.

“We thank the people of Osun State and all Nigerians for their unwavering support and commitments to the cause of justice and good governance.

“Let us continue to advocate for a better Nigeria with peace and dignity.”