Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and the Iyaloja-general of Lagos, has called on traders in Lagos State to prevent their children from participating in the upcoming nationwide protest.
Scheduled to begin on August 1, the protest aims to address various grievances, but Tinubu-Ojo has expressed concerns over potential violence and disruption.
Speaking on Saturday at Dosunmu Market, Tinubu-Ojo emphasized the need for families to discourage their children from joining the demonstration.
She highlighted the significant progress made by the Lagos State government in improving residents’ lives and referenced the devastating impact of the 2020 #EndSARS protests as a cautionary tale.
“Let’s tell ourselves, family, and children that there is nothing like protest in Lagos. It is a gimmick to destroy the country,” she stated.
“Look at what they did during the last protest (#EndSARS), look at how they burnt government properties. Can you see that they are fighting against us?”
Tinubu-Ojo urged traders to be wary of political manipulation and financial incentives that could endanger their children.
“Don’t allow any political party to give money to some persons to fight. Don’t allow our children to get killed during the process,” she warned.
She also pointed to the economic losses suffered during the #EndSARS protests, mentioning businesses like ShopRite that have struggled to recover.
“Look at the ShopRite at Adeniran Ogunsanya, Sangotedo, Lekki. Those businesses that were destroyed… have the owners recovered from their losses?”
Tinubu-Ojo appealed to traders and residents to recognize the positive efforts of the Lagos State government.
“I’m begging you in the name of God, let’s talk to ourselves and our children that there is nothing like protest in Lagos state because the government of Lagos state is making us proud. They are making us happy. They gave us a sense of belonging.”
Furthermore, she called for patience with the federal government, suggesting that criticism should be withheld until the government has had more time to implement its policies.
“The federal government recently assumed office. Before you say a government is not doing well, let it spend three years in office,” she said.
Both the federal and state governments, including President Bola Tinubu, have appealed to the youth to cancel the planned protest. Religious and traditional institutions have echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for stability and constructive dialogue.
As the proposed protest date approaches, authorities and community leaders continue to urge restraint and patience, hoping to avoid a repeat of past conflicts and disruptions.