Civil Society Groups Stage Democracy Day Protest in Osun

Members of the Coalition of Civil Societies in Osun State staged a peaceful protest in Osogbo on Wednesday to mark Democracy Day and demand better governance across Nigeria.

The demonstrators, who converged at Ayetoro Roundabout, marched through key areas of the city amid tight security. Holding placards with messages like “Give Us Free and Qualitative Education,” “We Want True Democracy in Nigeria,” and “End Bad Governance,” the protesters expressed dissatisfaction with the country’s economic and social challenges.

Chairman of the Osun Civil Societies Coalition, Waheed Lawal, emphasized the importance of the rule of law, justice, fairness, and equity for the sustainability of Nigeria’s democracy. While commending the Federal Government for officially recognizing June 12 as Democracy Day in honor of the late MKO Abiola, he urged authorities to pay Abiola’s entitlements and compensate the families of others who died in the June 12 struggle.

Another protester, Victor Lijofi, lamented the worsening insecurity in parts of the country and the growing cost of living. “An average Nigerian cannot afford quality healthcare, retirees are owed pensions, education is expensive, and food prices are high. This is not what democracy should represent,” he said.

The protest ended peacefully at a local event center in Osogbo, where participants joined a public lecture organized in celebration of Democracy Day.