By Desire Emmanuel
The Lagos State Police Command on Wednesday, November 26, said its men have arrested twelve persons for circulating posters which banned residents of Oregun from coming out during what they described as ‘Egungun festival’ in the community.
The festival, organised by the masquerade group that called itself “Oje Parapo of Oregun,” is scheduled to be held on November 27 and 28. However, the command has announced a ban on the festival.
According to the state police command, the posters have instilled fears in the residents following the threats issued by the adherents of the Egungun group who said residents should stay indoors from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. on both days as they plan to carry out ‘cleansing exercise’ in the community.
The adherents also said residents should ensure that they switch off all lights in their homes when the cleansing exercise is about to commence.
However, apparently following the fears generated by the posters, the state police command said such a festival remains banned and warned those who planned to carry it out to desist from doing so.
The command added that twelve persons who were found to have circulated the posters had been arrested and urged residents to go about their lawful businesses.
The command wrote: “With regard to the publication of the Oregun traditional Egungun festival, scheduled as seen in the handbills and posters for 27th and 28th November 2025, the Lagos State Police Command has assessed the level of fear and apprehension already generated among residents because of the publication of restrictions against the fundamental freedoms and rights of the people of the state.
“It has hereby declared that the event must not hold. This is done to ensure public safety, law and order, and protection of life and property of the people of the state. No festival that can risk destabilising the peace or heightening tension in the state will be permitted under any circumstances.
“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, categorically wishes to reaffirm that the Oje Parapo of Oregun should desist forthwith from holding the Egungun Festival as the security for the festival can no longer be guaranteed.
“Furthermore, the stress and fear already instilled in residents are unacceptable. The full weight of the law will be applied to anyone or group that attempts to undermine the peace, safety, or stability of Lagos State.”
