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The Lagos State Police Command has placed restrictions on activities surrounding the ongoing Egungun festival, warning that masquerades and their followers must confine their outings to designated points and approved celebration venues. The directive, according to the police, is meant to safeguard lives, prevent violence, and ensure that the rights of other religious and cultural groups are not violated during the celebrations.
In a statement released on Sunday by the spokesperson of the command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police said the measure became necessary following reports of clashes, disturbances, and property damage linked to rival Egungun groups in different parts of the state.
“The Lagos State Police Command hereby announces the restriction of all Egungun masquerade festival activities to designated masquerade outing points and venues of celebrations only. This directive prohibits practitioners from engaging in public processions or street marching to ensure safety, protection of lives and properties, and also to make sure that the rights of adherents and followers of other religious faiths and groups are not infringed upon or molested during the current Egungun Masquerade festivals,” the statement read.
Egungun festival is one of the most popular Yoruba traditional celebrations, involving colourful masquerades, drumming, dancing, and cultural displays. While the event attracts thousands of participants and spectators, it has in recent years been marred by violence, clashes between rival groups, and attacks on innocent residents in some communities.
CSP Hundeyin explained that the new restrictions were issued to prevent further breakdown of law and order. “To guarantee public safety and prevent further clashes between rival Egungun groups as currently being witnessed, and prevent damage to private and public properties as being reported in the last few days in some parts of Lagos State, Egungun masquerades, practitioners, and supporters are to strictly abide by these restrictions,” he stated.
The police command also directed all masquerade organisers to notify the Commissioner of Police ahead of their outings and apply for official police security. This, according to Hundeyin, would help forestall violence and protect worshippers, residents, and businesses.
The statement further carried a stern warning that anyone who disregards the directive or engages in acts capable of breaching public peace will face the full weight of the law. “The Command will not hesitate to apply the law on any Egungun Masquerade or their adherents and followers found disturbing peace, violating fundamental human rights, or engaging in any conduct likely to cause unrest anywhere in Lagos State,” the statement warned.
Over the years, Lagos has witnessed several incidents where Egungun processions turned violent. Some cases have resulted in injuries, loss of property, and even fatalities. Residents in areas such as Mushin, Agege, and Lagos Island have often raised concerns about disruptions caused by uncontrolled masquerade processions.
The latest move by the police is expected to calm tension and ensure that the cultural festival continues in a safe and orderly manner. By confining celebrations to designated venues, the authorities hope to reduce the risk of clashes between rival groups and protect residents who do not take part in the festival.
While cultural and religious rights remain guaranteed under the Nigerian constitution, security experts argue that restrictions are necessary when public order is threatened. The police assured Lagosians that security operatives will be deployed across the state to monitor compliance with the directive and respond swiftly to any form of violence.
The Egungun festival continues to hold a deep cultural significance for the Yoruba people, but the recent intervention by the Lagos Police Command highlights the growing challenge of balancing tradition with modern security concerns in Nigeria’s most populous city.
