#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria: Osun protesters observe Jumaat prayers on the road

On Friday, a group of mainly young residents in Osun State continued their demonstration in Osogbo, the state capital, calling for the reversal of the fuel subsidy removal and an end to naira devaluation.

The protest, part of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement, began on Thursday. During the Friday march, protesters gathered at Friday Park and were accompanied by police officers as well as personnel from the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Department of State Security.

They marched along MDS road to Olaiya Junction before proceeding to Odi-Olowo Street in Osogbo. Protesters criticized both federal and state governments for causing suffering among Nigerians and vowed to persist with their demonstrations until their demands were addressed.

Upon returning to Olaiya Junction, they performed ablution and held jumaat prayers in the street while security forces ensured their safety throughout the prayer session.

Following the prayers conducted by one of the demonstrators, the crowd began to disperse. In an interview with reporters, Wole Oladapo, the organizer of Nigeria for Good Governance, criticized both the Federal and State Governments for their poor prioritization.

He stated that this protest serves as a crucial moment, as public dissatisfaction is increasingly mounting. Oladapo remarked, The situation keeps deteriorating; we seem to have reached a low point. He pointed out that the president unilaterally eliminated fuel subsidies, placing the entire country at risk.

To worsen matters, he noted that the naira was floated and devalued significantly. We warned the federal government when they planned to remove subsidies that you can’t take from one group to benefit another, he explained.

While acknowledging that subsidies can be problematic, he argued that there was no thorough analysis before their removal.

The funds were redirected to governors—whom he labeled as another group of corrupt individuals—resulting in unbearable conditions for Nigerians.

He highlighted how state allocations surged after subsidy removal but questioned whether this had positively impacted ordinary citizens:

Absolutely not! He recalled how Aregbesola in Osun State recognized youth poverty and took proactive steps by providing jobs for young people, thereby boosting the state’s economy through their contributions.

This situation persisted until Governor Adeleke assumed office. In nearly two years, there has been no noticeable progress.

During Aregbesola’s two terms, he created 40,000 youth jobs; however, this administration has yet to initiate a single one, despite the increased state allocation resulting from the funds Tinubu received from Nigerians and distributed to governors.

He pointed out that local government resources have been appropriated by the state. He also emphasized the need to alert the President, National Assembly members, and governors that Nigerian discontent has not fully erupted yet; when it does, they may not withstand its consequences.

Therefore, it is crucial for them to heed the voices of the people at gatherings like this one. Our demands include reinstating fuel subsidies, halting naira devaluation, and allowing food imports through open borders.

Tinubu is investing N15 trillion naira in road projects at the public’s expense; a similar situation is unfolding in Osun as well.

Additionally, Adetunji Ajala, Osun Coordinator of Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens, stated that steps are being taken to ensure that the protest remains non-violent.