The Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, has ordered the immediate cancellation of the 2026 Egungun Festival following violent clashes between Egungun adherents that reportedly left several people injured.
The cancellation was announced in a statement addressed to law enforcement agencies and signed by the Palace Secretary, Mr. Toyin Ajamu, on behalf of the monarch.
According to the statement, the festival, which commenced on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, was initially scheduled to end on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
The palace said the decision to end the festival prematurely followed a series of attacks by hoodlums that posed a threat to public peace and could lead to unforeseen consequences.
The development comes after reports that several people sustained injuries during a violent confrontation between some Egungun adherents and security operatives in Ogbomoso.
“In view of the series of attacks by some hoodlums which may lead to unforeseen circumstances, and on the directives of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, Soun of Ogbomosoland, the 2026 Egungun Festival is hereby cancelled with immediate effect,” the statement read.
The palace directed all law enforcement agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the directive, warning that anyone caught participating in further festival activities or attempting to cause a breakdown of law and order should be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“Henceforth, anyone caught celebrating further or attempting to cause any form of trouble should be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the statement added.
The Soun appealed to residents, traditional worshippers and visitors to remain peaceful and cooperate with security agencies to maintain law and order across Ogbomosoland.
While the palace did not disclose the exact number of casualties, the cancellation follows heightened tension in parts of the town after the reported clashes between festival adherents and security personnel.
