Youths Shun #FearlessInOctober Protest In Ogun
The much-anticipated #FearlessInOctober protest, which has seen gatherings in major cities across Nigeria, failed to gain momentum in Ogun State as youths largely shunned the movement.
On Tuesday, despite the nationwide call for demonstrations, normal activities continued uninterrupted in key areas like Mowe, Interchange, Okemosan, Panseke, and Kuto.
It was reported that there was no signs of protests or disruption to the regular flow of people and traffic.
Security operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Community Social Orientation and Safety Corps, and the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency were positioned strategically to maintain law and order.
Osun Defender exclusively noted that the absence of protests in Ogun State may be linked to a High Court ruling in Abeokuta that restricted protest activities to specific locations, including 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.
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The court, presided over by Justice Tajudeen Okunsokan, issued the order following an application from the State Attorney-General in suit no. AB/667/2024. The ruling also mandated the Commissioner of Police to enforce the order for seven days.
It was reported that MKO Abiola Stadium and the popular Skating Ground in Abeokuta, both locations remained quiet, with no visible signs of protest activities.
In interviews with some of the youth in the state, the general sentiment was one of skepticism toward the effectiveness of protests. Jamiu, a youth from Abeokuta, questioned the value of participating, saying, โHow has protest helped the nation? What have previous protests achieved?โ
Ayo Adeyemi, another youth from the Kuto area, acknowledged the economic difficulties facing the country but doubted that protests would bring about any real change. “It is true that things are difficult, but would protest solve anything? Joining the protest is a waste of time and an effort that puts you at risk,” he explained.
Despite the absence of protests in Ogun, the #FearlessInOctober movement continued in other parts of the country, including Osun, Lagos and Abuja, where demonstrators gathered in significant numbers to express their grievances over the rising cost of living and other socio-political issues.
However, Ogun State youths appear to have opted for a different approach, choosing to focus on their daily activities rather than join the protests.
