The Lagos State Government has
denounced the purported restriction of movement announced in Itire on Sunday night
as part of traditional rites on the demise of Onitire of Itire, Oba Lateef
Abayomi Akanbi Dauda, describing it as an act of illegality.
According to a statement issued on
Monday by the 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.
It 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.
It 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,” the statement 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”,
it added.
The
statement said the 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. Signed
Mr. Tunji Bello
Secretary to the State Government (SSG)
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Politics