The Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has alleged that the Oro Cult Festival in Ikate area of the state is a move to scare away voters during the governorship election.
Religion Nigeria had reported that the traditional ruler of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Ademola (Kusenla III), on Wednesday fixed a three day rite in the area on the election day.
While reacting to the development, Rhodes-Vivour, stated that the move is a ploy to disenfranchise voters in the coming governornship election in the State.
“It is a lie, unconfirmed and false. Traditional rulers know better than to organise any festival that will disenfranchise any voter in this period,” he said.
Also addressing the news, the traditional ruler of the Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom in Lagos State, Saheed Ademola, stated that that festival would not affect the governorship election.
Speaking through his media aide, Temitope Oyefeso, said, “The restriction of movement for the Oro rites in Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Eti-Osa is from Wednesday to Friday, Election Day is not included.”
“The restriction is from 12 midnight to 5 am on each day, while residents are free to move before and after this time. This clarification is necessary for those peddling falsehood as to the motive for the rites. The peace and progress of our land is the responsibility of all of us and we must be alive to this responsibility,” he added