In Ogun State, the ongoing #FearlessOctober1 protests have seen a significant lack of participation from the youth, with daily activities continuing without disruption in key areas such as Mowe, Interchange, Okemosan, Panseke, and Kuto.
A strong presence of security operatives, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, and Ogun State Community Social Orientation and Safety Corps, has been noted at strategic locations throughout the state, aimed at preventing any potential breakdown of law and order.
The lack of protest activity in Ogun State comes on the heels of a High Court ruling in Abeokuta that restricted the #FearlessOctober protest group to specific venues, 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. The ruling, issued by Justice Tajudeen Okunsokan, is enforceable for seven days, as directed by the Commissioner of Police.
When visited by our correspondent, neither the MKO Abiola Stadium nor the popular Skating Ground in Abeokuta showed any signs of protest activity.
Residents expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of protests. Jamiu, a local youth, articulated a common sentiment: “How has protesting ever helped the nation? What have previous protests achieved?” Another youth, Ayo Adeyemi, acknowledged the pressing economic hardships but questioned the impact of protests, saying, “Yes, things are tough, but will protesting change anything? Joining the protest is a waste of time and puts you at risk.”
While Ogun State remains quiet, protests are being reported in other parts of the country, particularly in major cities like Lagos and Abuja, where demonstrators have gathered to voice their grievances over rising costs and poor governance.