As protests are expected to take place today, the Lagos State Government has issued a firm reminder to protesters and civil groups—demonstrations must stay within the law and be held only in two court-approved locations.
In a statement released on Monday, Grace Alo, spokesperson for the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, emphasized that while citizens have a constitutional right to protest, they must do so without infringing on the rights of others.
“The State Government acknowledges the fundamental rights of citizens… but also has the obligation to protect other citizens’ rights not to be disturbed by the protest,” she stated.
Court-Approved Protest Locations in Lagos
The Lagos High Court, in a judgment delivered on January 30, 2025, designated two specific areas for public protests:
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Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota
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Peace Park, Ketu
According to the ruling, any protest conducted outside these two venues may lead to legal liability. Organizers and participants could be held responsible for damages or losses resulting from such protests.
The statement was specifically directed at groups like the Take It Back Movement, which is spearheading the planned protests. The government reiterated that anyone who stages a protest outside the court-approved venues could be jointly and severally liable for any injury, property damage, or disruptions caused during the protest.
The government also urged protest organizers to notify the Nigeria Police Force in advance so proper security arrangements can be made at the designated protest sites. This is in line with efforts to maintain peace and public order during demonstrations.
Protest Responsibly
As tensions around public demonstrations continue to grow, the Lagos State Government is walking a fine line—balancing citizens’ rights to protest with the responsibility to maintain public peace.
If you’re planning to join today’s protest, make sure you do so legally and responsibly by sticking to either Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park or Peace Park. Remember: standing up for your rights shouldn’t come at the cost of someone else’s.
