Omoyele Sowore, the Nigerian activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, has vowed to proceed with a protest in Lagos over the recent Oworonshoki demolitions, hours after being warned by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police.
On Facebook, Sowore declared: “I heard the CP of the Nigeria Police Force Lagos had the effrontery to warn that TIB & I are not to protest over Oworonsoki Demolitions; these unprofessional, wornout officers have no place in our society. The mass action must go on!” He described the police warning as unprofessional and reaffirmed his commitment to the planned demonstration.
The Oworonshoki demolitions have sparked outrage, with residents alleging their homes were destroyed without proper compensation. Eyewitnesses reported that about 50 police officers were deployed during the late-night operation, using tear gas to disperse residents.
In response to the planned protest, the Lagos police commissioner warned Sowore and his supporters to stay away from the state, threatening legal action if they disrupt public order. The commissioner defended the demolitions, stating the affected structures were illegal and sometimes used by criminals.
Sowore’s decision to continue with the protest highlights his ongoing activism against what he calls government overreach and the violation of citizens’ rights, drawing both national and international attention.
