The Nigeria Police Force, Oyo State Command has cautioned leaders of the various Oje groups (Masquerade Bearing Households) ahead of the Egungun Festival against the breaking down of laws and orders in the state.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Adewale Osifeso, in a statement, gave the warning following a sensitization meeting held with traditionalists, leaders of the various Oje groups and other non-state actors at the IGP Alkali Baba Usman conference hall, Oyo State Police Command, Eleyele Ibadan.
He said that the Egungun Festival is meant to showcase the Ibadan cultural heritage to the world, thereby disclosing the need to maintain a hitch-free and peaceful atmosphere.
According to the statement, “in a bid to ensure an 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 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.”
The Police PRO, therefore, appealed to all and sundry to go about their daily lawful activities without fear of harassment or molestation of any kind.
He said that stakeholders have been legally bound by relevant laws and statutes for a peaceful procession exercise which would be actively monitored by the Command in line with standard best practices.
