Oduduwa News can confirm that the Lagos State Police Command has announced fresh restrictions on the ongoing Egungun festival, directing that all activities be confined strictly to designated outing points and approved celebration venues.
The directive, contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, is aimed at safeguarding lives and property while ensuring the rights of all religious and cultural groups are respected.
According to the statement, the Command has prohibited public processions and street parades by masquerades and their followers, citing recent incidents of disturbances, property damage, and violent clashes between rival Egungun groups in different parts of the state.
“To guarantee public safety and prevent further clashes between rival Egungun groups as currently being witnessed, and to prevent damage to private and public properties as reported in recent days, Egungun masquerades, practitioners, and supporters are to strictly abide by these restrictions,” the Command stated.
The police further directed that all masquerade outings must be preceded by official notification to the Commissioner of Police, with practitioners required to apply for security coverage ahead of their events.
In a stern warning, the Command emphasized that it would not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law against any masquerade, adherent, or supporter found disturbing public order, infringing on the rights of others, or causing breaches of the peace.