LASG Urges Protesters to Comply With Court Ruling on Designated Locations
Kehinde Adeleye
In response to reports of planned protests scheduled for April 7, 2025, the Lagos State Government has issued a statement acknowledging citizens’ fundamental rights to association and assembly for public protests while emphasizing the importance of maintaining public safety and order.
The government highlighted the obligation to protect the rights of those not participating in the protests and urged demonstrators to abide by a court ruling that restricts public demonstrations to designated locations.
The statement also stressed the need for protesters to conduct themselves within the bounds of the law.
The State Government wishes to draw the attention of the general public, especially the Take it Back Movement, the organisers of the planned protest, to a judgement of the Lagos High Court delivered on Thursday, January 30, 2025, which restricted protests in Lagos State to two designated locations to wit: Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos State and Peace Park, Ketu, Lagos State.
The court further held that any organizer or protester who participates in protests outside these designated areas shall be responsible and liable jointly and severally in damages for any injury or loss or for the destruction of properties of any citizen or government occasioned in the process of exercising their fundamental rights to association and assembly to convene public protest.
Therefore, the Lagos State Government strongly advises all organizers and participants to adhere to the court’s judgement and ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of any planned protest within the designated places. In addition, organizers are advised to notify the Nigeria Police Force to provide security and protection at the designated places.
The Lagos State Government is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. Therefore, all residents of the State are encouraged to go about their daily routines without fear of disruption.
