Lagos Police Ban Egungun Parade, Issue Strong Warning

Lagos State Police Command don order say all Egungun masquerade festival activities must dey limited to only approved outing points and celebration venues across the state. The order wey the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, announce on Sunday, na because of reports say some rival groups dey fight and cause wahala during the traditional festival for some parts of Lagos. According to the police, this restriction na to protect lives and property and also make sure say other people rights no go suffer during the festival. Police talk say any Egungun public procession or street parade don dey banned. Hundeyin come explain say anybody wey wan do Egungun outing must first notify the Commissioner of Police and apply make dem get security coverage before dem show masquerade for public. E warn say anybody wey break this order or try scatter peace go face full weight of the law. E talk say, “The Command no go hesitate to carry full law punish any Egungun masquerade or their followers wey disturb public peace, violate people rights or do anything wey fit cause wahala.”

The announcement come after reports of violence, property damage and fear wey residents don face during the recent celebrations. Police talk say the restriction na to stop more wahala and make sure religious harmony still dey during the festival period. Dem come beg masquerade people, supporters and traditional leaders make dem cooperate with police, follow the new rules, and respect other people rights. Last year, for Ikorodu, Oro worshippers give serious warning to residents as the day of their festival near. Dem talk say no woman suppose show face outside on May 16, the day of the festival. Dem don send letter go relevant bodies to prepare people mind ahead. Di Oro observation go happen for both day and night, and everybody must stay indoors. The notice letter come from Ayangburen Palace and na Oba Kabiru Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, sign am. The letter wey dem address to Medical Director of Ikorodu General Hospital carry April 16 date.