Despite the ongoing #FearlessOctober1 protests across Nigeria, youths in Ogun State has shunned the protest, opting instead to go about their daily activities without disruption.
According to PUNCH who monitored various locations in the state, it was reported that places like Mowe, Interchange, Okemosan, Panseke, and Kuto observed normal routines and movement of people.
Security operatives, including personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Community Social Orientation and Safety Corps, and the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), were stationed at strategic positions to maintain law and order.
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The reluctance of Ogun youths to participate in the protest followed a restriction order issued by a High Court in Abeokuta. The court, presided over by Justice Tajudeen Okunsokan, limited the protest to designated locations such as the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Gateway International Stadium in Sagamu, Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode, and Ansar-Ud-Deen Comprehensive High School in Ota.
The ruling, delivered on Monday, was in response to an application filed by the State Attorney-General against the organizers of the #FearlessInOctober protests, including Messrs. Afolabi Adeboye, Ifemosu Michael, and Lekan Soneye. The court also directed the Commissioner of Police to enforce the order, which remains in effect for seven days.
During visits to the MKO Abiola Stadium and the Skating Ground in Abeokuta, the correspondent reported no signs of protesters. When asked why he chose not to participate, a young man identified as Jamiu said, “How has protest helped the nation? What have previous protests achieved?”
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Another resident in the Kuto area, Ayo Adeyemi, acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerians but dismissed protest as a viable solution. “It is true that things are difficult, but would protesting solve anything? Joining the protest is a waste of time and puts you at risk,” Adeyemi commented.
Meanwhile, protest activities gained momentum in other parts of the country, including Lagos and Abuja, where groups gathered to express their grievances. However, Ogun State remained calm and devoid of any protest-related disturbances as authorities continued to enforce the court’s directives.
PUNCH