The Lagos State Police Command has taken a decisive step by suspending a highly anticipated Egungun festival in the Oregun area. The event, which was scheduled for Friday and Saturday, has been halted due to serious security concerns and the circulation of materials believed to incite fear.
Arrests and Inciting Materials
In an official statement released on Wednesday, the command's spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, revealed that several individuals had been arrested. These suspects were allegedly connected to posters and social media messages that warned residents to restrict their movements during the planned festival.
The police identified the group as "Oje Parapo of Oregun" and accused them of distributing handbills. These materials were deemed to infringe on the rights of residents and pose a direct threat to public order.
Immediate Suspension and Official Warning
Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Olohundare Jimoh, ordered an immediate suspension of the festival set for November 27 and 28, 2025.
The police statement included a strong warning from CP Jimoh. He declared that the command would not tolerate any activity capable of breaching public peace, threatening safety, or disrupting law and order in the state.
The police justified their action by stating that the group's activities were creating panic. They reaffirmed that no cultural event or gathering that could heighten tension or pose risks to residents would be permitted to proceed.
Connection to Previous Incident
The command referenced a similar event that occurred earlier. On 23 November in Mafoluku, Oshodi, authorities arrested 12 individuals for circulating provocative publications.
All suspects from both the Oregun and Mafoluku cases are currently undergoing investigation. The police confirmed that they will be charged in court upon the conclusion of the inquiries.
Reaffirming the suspension, CP Jimoh directed the Oje Parapo group to cease all preparations for the event. He insisted that the police could not guarantee security for the gathering, describing the apprehension already caused among residents as unacceptable.
The Commissioner also warned that any attempts to undermine public peace would face strict legal consequences. The command urged all residents to go about their lawful activities without fear, assuring them of continued efforts to maintain public safety and protect lives and property.
