The Lagos State Police Command has reached an agreement with 15 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) regarding the conduct of the planned Democracy Day protests on Wednesday, June 12.

According to the police, all parties agreed that the only approved protest venue in Lagos will be Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota.

This was announced in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, on Wednesday. He described the meeting between the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, and CSO representatives as a productive and interactive session.

The statement noted that half of the CSOs intend to commemorate Democracy Day peacefully, while the other half plan to hold peaceful protests without compromising public order or safety.

All protest groups have agreed to assemble under the Ikeja Bridge and then proceed together to Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota.

“Protesting groups will jointly converge at the Ikeja Under-Bridge before moving in unison to Gani Fawehinmi Park. It was also agreed that no protests will occur at any other location apart from the designated venue in Ojota,” Hundeyin stated.

The command emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order throughout the day’s activities, urging CSOs to ensure the protests are not hijacked by troublemakers seeking to incite violence.

Participants were reminded not to obstruct traffic or disrupt public life, allowing other citizens to celebrate Democracy Day without hindrance.

The CSO leaders present committed to relaying the agreements to other groups not in attendance to ensure widespread adherence across the state.

“The CSOs gave their assurance that they would inform other civil society groups about the resolutions to promote full compliance,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police reiterated the command’s commitment to providing adequate security throughout Lagos and encouraged citizens to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

The statement also listed the names of the CSO representatives at the meeting, 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)
Mr. Buna Olaitan Isaia (Human Rights Monitor)
Mr. Festus Ojotoro (Human Rights Monitor)
Mr. Kehinde Adeoye (Committee for the Defence of Human Rights)
Mr. Adebanjo Adeleke (Beko Ransome Kuti)
Mr. Falola O. Olurotimi (Rights Kline)
Comrade Isa Oyetunji (Committee for the Defence of Human Rights)
Mr. Gbenga Ganzallo (Community Development Group)
Mr. Lasisi Abiodun
Mr. Ibrahim Oluwatobi
Mr. Adetunji Oluwatoyin (Committee for the Defence of Human Rights)
Mr. Agbodemu I. Musbau (CSO Lagos Mainland LGA)
A representative of Initiatives for Development and Advocacy