Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Protest Support: 5 Times He Stood with Nigerian Protesters
Lagos State has always been the center of civil action in Nigeria. From youth-led protests to nationwide demands for reform, Lagosians have never held back. At the heart of it all is the leadership response. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has, on several occasions, chosen to stand with the people. From listening to protesters directly to advocating for reform, these five moments reveal a governor who hasn’t ignored public outcry.
1. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Visit to #EndSARS Protesters at Alausa (October 2020)
During the historic #EndSARS protest, Governor Sanwo-Olu visited protesters gathered at the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa. Governor Sanwo-Olu addressed the crowd, listened to their demands, and promised to deliver them personally to the president. It was a rare show of empathy during a tense period in Nigerian history.
2. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Public Condemnation of Police Brutality
In the heat of the #EndSARS movement, Governor Sanwo-Olu publicly condemned the actions of SARS officers. Governor Sanwo-Olu didn’t stay silent like many politicians. Instead, he called for a complete overhaul of the police unit and pledged the state’s support for victims of abuse. His stance resonated with many youths who demanded accountability.
3. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Private Engagement with #OccupyLekki Protesters
When activists returned to the Lekki Toll Gate in 2021 under the #OccupyLekki banner, Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged their right to protest. Though the event was met with police intervention, Governor Sanwo-Olu later held meetings with some organizers and civil rights groups to discuss their concerns. His tone remained one of dialogue over suppression.
4. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Response to Student Protests During the ASUU Strike
As the ASUU strike kept university students at home for months, student-led protests disrupted major roads in Lagos. Rather than cracking down, Governor Sanwo-Olu called for calm and urged the federal government to resolve the issue. Governor Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the impact on students and urged them to stay peaceful.
5. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Youth Dialogue and Civic Engagement Forums
Beyond reacting to protests after they erupt, Governor Sanwo-Olu has invested in preventive civic engagement strategies. Recognizing that young people drive most social movements in Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu has created multiple platforms for youth inclusion in governance. These initiatives are designed not just for feedback but for actual policy dialogue.
One of the standout efforts is the “Lagos Youth Symposium”, where young citizens are invited to openly express their frustrations, share ideas, and suggest reforms directly to policymakers. Governor Sanwo-Olu often uses this event to address trending issues affecting the youth — from job creation to security and education.
Another initiative is “Youths in Governance”, a civic program aimed at involving young Lagosians in local government activities. By opening up spaces like town halls and policy panels, Governor Sanwo-Olu empowers young voices to speak before issues escalate to mass protests.
Governor Sanwo-Olu has also shown a social media presence that appeals to the youth, using digital platforms to collect feedback and clarify misinformation during tense moments. For example, during the 2020 EndSARS protest, Governor Sanwo-Olu regularly posted updates on Twitter and Instagram, attempting to maintain communication with young Lagosians.
Through all of these efforts, Governor Sanwo-Olu signals an understanding that civic anger is often rooted in long-term neglect. By giving the youth a seat at the table, the Lagos State government reduces friction and makes dialogue a first option — not just a response to unrest.
