Fear in Oregun: Lagos Police Pull Plug on Egungun Festival

The Lagos State Police Command has suspended an Egungun festival expected to hold this weekend in the Oregun area, citing “credible security concerns” and the circulation of materials capable of causing panic among residents.

In a statement on Wednesday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed that several individuals were arrested for distributing posters and social media messages instructing residents to stay indoors during the festival. The suspects, allegedly operating under the name Oje Parapo of Oregun, were accused of distributing handbills that violated residents’ rights and threatened public order.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has therefore ordered an immediate suspension of the festival scheduled for November 27 and 28, 2025,” the statement read. “The command will not tolerate any activity capable of breaching peace, threatening safety, or disrupting law and order.”

According to Police, the materials circulated by the group were capable of inciting fear, raising concerns about the safety of residents and the possibility of unrest during the event. Authorities stressed that no cultural ceremony or gathering that could heighten tension or pose risks to the public would be allowed to proceed.

This suspension follows a similar incident on November 23 in Mafoluku, Oshodi, where 12 people were arrested for distributing provocative publications. All suspects from both cases are undergoing investigation and will face charges once inquiries conclude.

CP Jimoh ordered the Oje Parapo group to halt all preparations for the festival, emphasizing that the anxiety already caused in the community was unacceptable. He warned that any attempt to undermine public peace would attract legal consequences.

The Lagos Police Command reassured residents that they could continue their daily activities without fear, pledging ongoing efforts to protect lives, property, and public order across the State.