By Ejiofor Toochi
Edited by Sunkanmi Adewunmi
The Lagos State Police Command has suspended the planned traditional Egungun festival in Oregun, earlier scheduled to hold on Thursday and Friday.
This is due to a recent publication circulated by the Oje Parapo of Oregun, restricting public movement in the area ahead of the festival scheduled.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Commissioner of Police CP Olohundare Jimoh ordered that the event would not be held, citing concerns over public safety and potential disruption to peace. He stressed that no group has the authority to impose restrictions on residents or enforce laws independently.
“The Command will not tolerate lawlessness in any part of the State, ” the statement read, “and the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has therefore directed the suspension of this festival, which is likely to lead to disturbance of public peace, safety, and public order in the State.”
It read further, “This restriction suffices to make it clear that no group should take laws into their hands and prevent other Nigerians from movement around and throughout the State at will at any time. The Lagos State Police Command will continue to firmly protect the fundamental human rights of everyone in the State.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed that twelve suspects linked to the circulation of the handbills and social media posts had been arrested. They remain in custody and will be prosecuted after investigations.
The statement also referenced a similar incident in Mafoluku, Oshodi, on 23 November, where another group circulated warnings capable of inciting unrest, and how officers from the Makinde Division intervened.
The command said the decision to stop the Oregun festival followed an assessment of the “fear and apprehension” already created among residents. Authorities insisted the security situation around the event could no longer be guaranteed.
“No festival that risks destabilising the peace or heightening tension in the state will be permitted under any circumstances,” the police said, adding that anyone planning unauthorised gatherings would face the full weight of the law.
Residents were urged to go about their lawful activities without fear, and to report suspicious behaviour through designated emergency numbers.
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