Lagos Police Ban Egungun Public Procession, Issue Serious Warnings
- The Lagos State Police Command has restricted Egungun festival activities to approved venues following reports of clashes and property damage
- Public processions and street parades are now banned, with organizers required to apply for police security before outings
- The Command warned that violators will face the law and urged practitioners to respect the rights of others to maintain peace across the state
The Lagos State Police Command has ordered that all activities related to the ongoing Egungun masquerade festival be limited to approved outing points and designated celebration venues across the state.
The directive, announced on Sunday by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, came in response to reported disturbances and clashes among rival groups during the traditional festival in some parts of Lagos in recent days.
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According to the police, the restriction is intended to protect lives and property while ensuring that the rights of people of other faiths are not infringed upon during the festivities.
The Command made it clear that public processions or street parades by masquerades and their followers are now prohibited.
Hundeyin explained that organizers of Egungun outings must notify the Commissioner of Police and apply for security coverage before bringing masquerades into public view.
He warned that violators of the order or anyone caught disrupting public peace will face the full weight of the law.
“The Command will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law on any Egungun masquerade or their adherents and followers found disturbing public order, infringing on human rights, or engaging in any act likely to breach peace,” Hundeyin stated.
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Violence reported in Lagos
The announcement follows reports of violence, damage to property, and intimidation of residents during recent celebrations.
The Command said the restrictions are aimed at curbing further escalation and ensuring that religious harmony is maintained throughout the festival period.
The police further appealed to masquerade practitioners, supporters, and traditional leaders to cooperate with law enforcement, abide by the new rules, and demonstrate respect for the rights of others.
The Command added that maintaining peace and order in Lagos required collective responsibility, urging festival participants to conduct themselves within the limits of the law.
Oro Worshippers Warn Women in Lagos
Last year, Legit.ng reported that Ikorodu traditionalists have issued a stern warning to all residents of the area to be cautious as the day of their festival draws near. The Oro worshipers have notified the indigenes that no female individuals are to be seen outside on May 16, the day of the festival.
The group has sent notification letters to relevant bodies to prepare their minds for the upcoming event. The observation will take place during both day and nighttime, during which everyone is required to remain indoors.
The notice letter came from Ayangburen Palace and was signed by Oba Kabiru Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu. The letter was addressed to the Medical Director of the Ikorodu General Hospital and dated April 16.
Traditionalist using iPhone 11 trends
Legit.ng had earlier reported on a modern traditionalist who went viral after being seen with an iPhone 11.
Many people were surprised because the prevailing belief was that local deity worshippers were uncivilized.
Source: Legit.ng
