Nigeria, Sept., 19, 2016 – The Lagos State Government has denounced the purported restriction of movement announced in Itire on Sunday night as part of traditional rites over the demise of Onitire of Itire, Oba Lateef Abayomi Akanbi Dauda, describing it as an act of illegality.
According to Secretary to the State Government, Tunji Bello, the State Government condemned the action of declaring a curfew without due consultation with the State Government before making the statement public.
He said that no individual or group has the right to infringe on the rights of citizens to freedom of movement and association as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He stated further that the State government is alive to its core responsibilities of protecting the citizens and is collaborating with security agencies to put in place measures that will guarantee safety of lives and property of its citizens in every part of the State.
“While the State government commiserates with the royal family, Onitire Chieftaincy Family Council and the entire people of Itire over the demise of the monarch and duly recognize our traditions and customs, it would not condone any act that tends to infringe on the right of its citizens which it has sworn to protect,” he said.
“The Lagos State government is saddened by the demise of ever-supportive Oba, but wishes to assure that government will not fold its arms and allow a few individuals or groups of people to deny citizens of their right to movement or commute anywhere in the State”, he added.
He said government is collaborating with security agencies and assured the residents that arrangements have been made to guide against any molestation and harassment by anyone or group.
