The Lagos State Police Command and 15 Civil Society Organisations have reached a consensus on conducting a peaceful protest to mark Democracy Day on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
The agreement designates Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota as the sole protest venue for all participating groups in Lagos.
The understanding was reached during an interactive session between the Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, and representatives of the CSOs.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed the details in an official statement issued on Wednesday.
“All protesting groups agreed to converge on Ikeja Under-Bridge simultaneously and jointly proceed to Gani Fawehinmi Park at Ojota to protest,” Hundeyin revealed.
“It was also agreed that no protest will take place anywhere else except at the only designated place at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota.”
According to the police spokesperson, half of the CSOs expressed plans to celebrate the day peacefully, while the other half intends to hold non-violent protests. Both sides, however, pledged to uphold public order and safety.
To prevent any disruption of activities across the city, Hundeyin emphasized that “the importance of not obstructing traffic or disrupting public peace was clearly outlined during the meeting.”
He also warned that efforts would be made to ensure the protests are not hijacked by miscreants seeking to incite violence or chaos.
“CSOs have a responsibility to ensure their activities are not used as cover by hoodlums,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police reassured the public of the Command’s preparedness to maintain peace and security throughout the Democracy Day celebration.
In attendance at the meeting were key CSO leaders including Mr. Akintunde Adedeji (Access to Advocacy & Rights of People), Mr. Omokehinde Agbede (Center for Indigene Government Group), Mr. Elijah Ajamu-Ojo (Ideal Him Society Advocacy Groups), and Mr. Buna Olaitan Isaia (Human Rights Monitor), among others.
Hundeyin confirmed that the CSO representatives committed to relaying the resolutions of the meeting to other organisations not present, to ensure city-wide compliance.
“The CSOs assured the Commissioner of Police that they will communicate the outcome of the meeting and the resolutions reached to other CSOs not in attendance,” the statement added.
