June 12: Police, CSOs Agree on Unified Protest Venue in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has announced an agreement with 15 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to conduct all planned Democracy Day protests at a single designated location — Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota.

This was revealed in a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, following a pre-event engagement between the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, and representatives of the CSOs on Wednesday.

During the meeting, both parties reached a consensus that:

• All groups would converge at Ikeja Under-Bridge before marching collectively to the Ojota protest venue.

• No protests will be permitted in any other parts of Lagos, ensuring both public safety and order.

According to Hundeyin, while half of the CSOs intend to mark Democracy Day through peaceful celebrations, the remaining groups plan to engage in non-violent demonstrations.

“All protesting groups agreed to converge on Ikeja Under-Bridge simultaneously and proceed together to Gani Fawehinmi Park,” the statement read.
“No protest is permitted outside the Ojota venue.”

The police emphasized the importance of avoiding traffic disruption, maintaining peace, and preventing miscreants from hijacking the event. CSOs were also tasked with communicating the resolutions to any groups not present at the meeting to ensure compliance across the state.

The Commissioner reiterated the Command’s readiness to provide full security coverage for all Democracy Day activities and encouraged residents to remain law-abiding.

Representatives in attendance included activists from:

• Access to Advocacy & Rights of People

• Center for Indigene Government Group

• Human Right Monitor

• Committee for the Defence of Human Rights

• Rights Kline

• Community Development Group

• CSO Lagos Mainland LGA

• Initiatives for Development and Advocacy, among others.