Sanwo-Olu warns obas against stopping Lagosians from voting 

Sanwo-Olu also told the traditional leaders to respect the rights of citizens who are not of their faith, warning that those who break the law will be dealt with

By Kehinde Okeowo 

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has cautioned traditional institutions in the state against stopping the electorates from exercising their rights in Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly.

Sanwo-Olu gave the warning in a statement signed and made available by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, following reports that some traditional rulers had scheduled ‘Oro’ rites for election day. 

A woman casts her votes during the gubernatorial and state house assembly elections at a polling center in Makoko near Lagos, Nigeria, Saturday, March. 9, 2019. Nigerians are going to the polls to choose governors in 29 of 36 states in Africa’s largest democracy amid reports of heavy military deployment and attacks against electoral facilities in a few areas. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

Reacting to the development, the governor, who is also an aspirant in the gubernatorial election, encouraged electorates in the state to go out and exercise their voting right as adequate security provisions are in place. 

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He also told the traditional leaders to respect the rights of citizens who are not of their faith, warning that those who break the law during the exercise will be dealt with accordingly. 

The statement read, “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assured Lagosians of peaceful elections tomorrow. There is no need for fear.

“Following the recent announcement of some customary rites by traditional rulers, the government wishes to assure all residents of the security of lives and property in the state.

“Residents are advised to go about their civic duties as the state government has called on all security personnel to guarantee the peace and safety of lives and property before, during and after elections.

“Whilst the state government reiterates the freedom of religion, it also cautions traditional institutions holding these customary rites to ensure the activities do not infringe on the fundamental rights of citizens, who are not of this faith, especially during the elections.

“Anybody planning to foment trouble will have the law to contend with. Our state is peaceful and it will remain so.”

Kehinde Okeowo:
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