The Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, has ordered the immediate cancellation of the 2026 Egungun Festival following violent clashes involving festival adherents that reportedly left several people injured.
The directive was conveyed in a statement signed by the Palace Secretary, Mr. Toyin Ajamu, on behalf of the monarch and addressed to security agencies operating within Ogbomosoland.
The annual festival, which began on July 8, was originally scheduled to conclude on July 19. However, the palace said the decision to end the celebrations ahead of schedule became necessary following a series of violent incidents that threatened public safety and peace.
According to the statement, attacks allegedly carried out by hoodlums during the festival raised concerns over a possible breakdown of law and order if the event continued.
The cancellation comes amid reports of a confrontation between some Egungun adherents and security operatives in Ogbomoso, during which several people were said to have sustained injuries.
The palace directed all security agencies to enforce the cancellation strictly, warning that anyone who continues to participate in festival activities or attempts to disrupt public peace should be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Residents, traditional worshippers and visitors were also urged to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement authorities to ensure peace across the town.
Although the palace did not disclose the number of those injured, the decision follows heightened tension in parts of Ogbomoso after the reported clashes between festival participants and security personnel.
