The Lagos State Police Command has suspended an Egungun festival scheduled to hold on Friday and Saturday in the Oregun area of the state, citing public safety concerns and attempts by organisers to instil fear among residents.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said police operatives arrested several suspects linked to the distribution of posters and social media posts warning residents to stay away from the area during the planned festival. The suspects, who allegedly acted under the name Oje Parapo of Oregun, were apprehended for circulating handbills that attempted to restrict residents’ freedom of movement and could potentially disturb public order.
Adebisi said the conduct of the group had the capacity to create panic and undermine peace in the community.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, immediately ordered the suspension of the festival scheduled for November 27 and 28, 2025.
The CP warned that the police would not tolerate activities capable of threatening safety or disrupting the peace in any part of the state.
The command stressed that while cultural celebrations are recognised, no event would be permitted to proceed if it poses risks to lives or heightens tension in the community.
The statement also cited a similar incident on November 23, 2025, in Mafoluku, Oshodi, where police arrested 12 people for circulating provocative publications in an attempt to incite disorder. All suspects in both cases remain under investigation and will be charged to court upon conclusion of inquiries.
Reiterating the directive, CP Jimoh ordered the Oje Parapo group to halt any plans to proceed with the suspended festival, noting that security for such an event could not be guaranteed at this time. He condemned the fear already instilled in the community as unacceptable and warned that any further attempt to breach public peace would attract the full weight of the law.
The police urged Lagos residents to go about their lawful activities without fear, assuring them of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
