The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Oluhundare Jimoh on Tuesday warned that there would be no Eyo procession anywhere in Lagos after 6pm during the forthcoming Eyo festival, stressing that anyone flouting the directive would be arrested and prosecuted.

The warning was issued at the Oba’s Palace in Iga Idunganran during a courtesy visit by the police hierarchy as part of a show of force across parts of Lagos ahead of the December 27 Eyo festival.

Oba Akiolu said the essence of the Eyo festival was cultural display, not violence or harassment of residents and visitors. He urged participants, especially youths, to conduct themselves peacefully and in line with tradition.

“Eyo is not meant for beating people or harassing anybody. That is why I moved the Eyo display from Idumota to Tafawa Balewa Square, so people can sit and watch the cultural display peacefully.

Eyo is only on Lagos Island. It is not on the mainland or Eti-Osa. And very importantly, after 6pm, no Eyo please. This must be respected”, he said.

He appealed to the public to cooperate with the police and be law-abiding, adding that alcohol consumption should be avoided during the procession, noting that anyone who wished to drink could do so later in the night, after the festival activities.

The Commissioner of Police said the command was fully prepared to ensure a peaceful Eyo festival, noting that the event was returning after about seven years.

We have made adequate deployments across Lagos Island, and the operational order for the festival is already in place”, he said.

He disclosed that a full unit of mobile police would be stationed at the Oba’s Palace, drawn from the 63 and 22 Police Mobile Force units, while additional 30 teams, including tactical squads, would be deployed around the palace and other festival venues.

The CP added that anyone disguising as Eyo outside Lagos Island or after 6pm would be arrested, detained and prosecuted, describing such acts as criminal attempts to extort or cause fear.

He said the show of force, which covered Ikeja Command, Oworonshoki, Anthony, Adeniji, the Oba’s Palace and extended to the Lagos-Calabar coastal road, was a confidence-building patrol to reassure residents ahead of the festivities and the Christmas season.

He added that covert operations and raids against criminal elements were ongoing across the state, while deployments had also been strengthened in border communities, including Ikorodu, Agbowa and other areas adjoining neighbouring states.

According to him, police patrols and covert operations would continue across the state through the festive period and into the new year to ensure safety of lives and property.

“We want Lagosians to come out, enjoy the Eyo festival and the Detty December activities without fear. Enough security has been provided, and there is nothing like Eyo after 6pm”, he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government, Taiwo Oyekan donated a patrol vehicle to the Adeniji Adele Police Station to boost policing and response capacity in the area. (The Nation)