Lagos residents turned out in large numbers to protest what they describe as “bad governance,” with demonstrations taking place at Ojota, Ikeja Underbridge and Lekki despite stern warnings from government officials and a heavy police presence, particularly at the Lekki Tollgate.

The protest tagged #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria, gained virality through online campaigns and sparked concern among authorities, who feared a repeat of recent violent protests in Kenya that forced the government there to backtrack on new taxes.

While major roads, including the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, were largely deserted earlier in the day, Ojota became the epicentre of the Lagos protests.

The government had designated Ojota as the official protest site, prompting many demonstrators to walk from Ikeja Underbridge to the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota.

Among the protesters was Shehu Atiku Abubakar, the son of the former Vice President, adding a high-profile presence to the movement.

Reports from social media platforms indicate that the police have been actively discouraging protests in other parts of Lagos, including Badagry, where officers reportedly told demonstrators to relocate to Ojota or face consequences.

One user shared their experience, stating, “We were peacefully protesting in Badagry when the police interrupted us, demanding we go to Ojota if we want to protest. They also threatened to deal with us if we refused to leave”

In a dramatic turn, a protester was seen undressing as a symbolic act to draw attention to the dire situation many Nigerians face. The protest at Ojota has also seen confrontations between demonstrators and counter-protesters, leading to tense scenes as both sides clash over the future direction of the country.

The impact of the protests is being felt across Lagos, with many shops shuttered in anticipation of unrest. Traders who managed to open their stalls reported little to no foot traffic, reflecting the widespread disruption caused by the ongoing demonstrations.

Last updated on September 13th, 2024 at 09:16 pm