Lagos Police Caution Sowore, Others Over Oworonshoki Protest, The Lagos State Police Command has issued a firm warning to activist Omoyele Sowore and his supporters over plans to protest the recent demolition exercise in Oworonshoki, emphasizing that any attempt to disrupt public order will face strong enforcement action.
Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, addressed journalists on Monday at the Iyana-Oworo axis of the Third Mainland Bridge, cautioning against any mobilization for protests that could block major routes or threaten the safety and economic stability of the state.
Jimoh underscored the importance of the Third Mainland Bridge, describing it as a critical link to Lagos’ commercial heartbeat, relied upon daily by thousands of residents for work, healthcare, and essential movement.
He announced that the command had strategically deployed officers across flash points including Maryland, Ojota, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Gbagada, Bariga, and Lekki Toll Gate to prevent demonstrations that might escalate into civil disturbance or traffic gridlock.
This move comes amidst reports of growing agitation following the state government’s demolition of alleged illegal structures in Oworonshoki, which authorities say had been encroached upon and turned into criminal hideouts.
While the police acknowledged citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, Jimoh reiterated that such acts must strictly follow legal protocols and not infringe upon the rights or safety of others. He stressed that actions seen in recent times do not qualify as legitimate protests but are viewed as attempts to incite unrest. The police chief defended the government’s demolition actions, claiming genuine residents had been compensated and the clearance was necessary for security reasons.
Jimoh further cautioned against politicizing the issue or leveraging activism to foment chaos, warning that anyone hiding under such covers would be treated as conspirators to criminal activity. He concluded by assuring law-abiding Lagosians of ongoing protection and urging residents to continue their daily activities without fear, emphasizing a commitment to safeguarding peace across the metropolis.
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