By Afolabi Samuel Odunayo
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party (LP) 2023 governorship candidate for Lagos State in the 2023 elections , has asserted that the use of Oro, a traditional Yoruba ritual, by the state government to reportedly intimidate protesters is an assault.
This follows an announcement by Lagospedia on their X handle on Wednesday, indicating that Oro is scheduled to be held from August 1 to 15.
Expressing this concern on his verified X handle on Thursday, Rhodes-Vivour accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of undermining Yoruba traditional institutions.
He asserted that the Yoruba people are renowned for justice and fairness through adherence to their traditions.
“The campaign by APC propaganda handles to use ORO – a sacred ritual in Yoruba land – to threaten protesters is an assault on our traditional institution.
“Casualizing centuries of a hallowed ritual with such juvenile intent debases our culture and corrupts our revered institution.
“The Yoruba are obsessed with justice and fairness, not only as a guiding principle but also as a defining feature.
“It explains why, although the subjects recognize their king as an authority second only to the gods, the community does not tolerate high-handedness on the part of the king. Whenever they perceive such, there is bound to be a protest,” Gbadebo wrote.
He also emphasized the importance of respecting the right to peaceful assembly by traditional leaders.
He said:”I urged patience and restraint from our youth but defend their right to peaceful assembly. More importantly, I call on our respected traditional leaders to condemn our tradition’s desecration and guard our revered institutions jealously.”
