The Lagos State Government has denounced the purported restriction of movement announced in Itire on Sunday night as part of traditional rites on the demise of Onitire of Itire, Oba Lateef Abayomi Akanbi Dauda, describing it as act of illegality.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, the State Government condemned the action of declaring a curfew without due consultation with the State Government before making the statement public.
He added that no individual or group has the right to infringe on the rights of citizens to freedom of movement and association as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He noted that the State Government is alive to its core responsibilities of protecting the citizens and is collaborating with security agencies to put in place measures that will guarantee safety of lives and property of its citizens in every part of the state.
The statement added, “While the state government commiserates with the royal family, Onitire Chieftaincy Family Council and the entire people of Itire over the demise of the monarch and highly revered our tradition and customs, it would not condone any act that tends to infringe on the right of its citizens which it has sworn to protect.”
“The Lagos State Government is saddened by the demise of our ever-supportive Oba, but wish to assure that government will not fold its arms and allow a few individual or group of people to deny citizens of their right to movement or commune anywhere around the state.”
He added that the State Government was collaborating with security agencies and assures that arrangements have been made to guide against any molestation and harassment by anybody or group. Lagos residents are assured of their safety and are advised to go about their normal duties without harassment and molestation. Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/09/lagos-denounces-purported-restriction-movement-itire/ It has always been the norm in society/communities in Nigeria to be put in great fear and unrestiveness when a royal head dies and in most cases they are subjected to curfew which in all ramification is averse to democracy we say we practice. Culture and tradition must not and/or should not interfere with the life of others or affect their source of income or endanger their lives and well-being. People in this environs have been subjected to unwanton pain and fear of their lives because of purported need to sacrifice lives for what i don't know of. Nigeria have to stop this - life and property and source of livelihood of any individual should not be tampered with because of the death of any individual. The security forces on ground should ensure they allay the fears of residents who are still in doubt due to the 6am-6pm curfew earlier announced to last for 9 days. The denouncement a good move by lagos state govt.