The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a leading non-partisan human rights and development league, has called on Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi (Adegorushen V), to ensure that the celebration of the Magbo (Oro) festival on May 16, 2024, is conducted in a manner that respects the fundamental human rights of all residents of Ikorodu, Lagos State.
In a letter to the monarch, signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, and copied to the Lagos State Governor, the State’s Commissioner of Police, and the National Human Rights Commission, HEDA Resource Centre reminded the King that while the organization respects and promotes cultural heritage, any celebration of such must be done within the bounds of the law and respect for the rights of all.
The organization drew attention of the King to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees the right to life, dignity, personal liberty, freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, and freedom of movement.
“We urge His Royal Majesty to ensure that the festival is celebrated in a way that balances respect for human rights with upholding of custom and tradition,” said Suraju.
He further added, “We advise that the festival be celebrated at midnight, as has been the tradition, to avoid any threat to life or restriction of movement, especially for women. We also emphasize that people shall be held liable for any loss of life or property to residents in the course of celebration. If national mechanisms fail to take appropriate actions, international mechanisms will be attracted to invited.”
HEDA Resource Centre assured that it will continue to monitor the situation and take all necessary steps to ensure that the rights of all residents are protected.
