The state police command has cautioned masqueraders and other participants against violating security and peace ahead of the annual egungun (masquerade) festival celebration in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state.
In Eleyele, Ibadan, at the IGP Alkali Baba Usman Conference Hall, the Oyo State Police Command headquarters, the police authorities issued the warning to all parties involved in the celebration.
Traditionalists, the heads of the numerous Oje (masqueraders) groups, and other non-state actors who will take part in the annual cultural festival were present at the conference.
In a statement, the Command’s spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, said: “In a bid to ensure a hitch-free and peaceful Egungun Festival, a yearly event showcasing Oyo state’s rich cultural heritage, the State Police Command organized a sensitization meeting with all stakeholders including traditionalists, leaders of the various Oje groups (Masquerade Bearing Households) and other non-state actors at the IGP Alkali Baba Usman Conference hall, Oyo State Police Command, Eleyele Ibadan on Thursday 23/06/2022 in line with its strategic and proactive policing approach.
“The meeting was particularly imperative to address growing concerns of the influx of various interests into the State under the guise of celebrating the age-long festival with loved ones.
“Consequent upon this, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Williams has ordered Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Heads of Command tactical formations to embark on confidence-building Patrols, Purposeful surveillance activities, and intelligence-led visibility policing ahead of the festival slated later this month.
“While emphatically assuring the good people of the state of their safety before, during, and after the festive period, the CP enjoins parents, guardians, and leaders yielding varying degrees of influence to warn their wards and protégés against being used by mischief makers to breach the relative tranquility enjoyed in the State.”
