- Lagos directed traditional groups to obtain approval before holding festivals
- The state said the policy will improve security and ensure orderly celebrations
- Officials also disclosed plans for a law to regulate traditional religious activities
The Lagos State Government has declared that no traditional or cultural festival will be allowed to take place anywhere in the state without official approval from the appropriate authorities.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the government said the directive is intended to enhance public safety, improve security and ensure proper coordination of cultural events across the state.
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The position was made known during a stakeholders’ sensitisation programme organised by the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture for registered traditional institutions and Isese groups at its headquarters in Ikeja.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Adebopo Oyekan-Ismaila, the ministry’s Director of Administration and Human Resources, Taoreed Dosumu, said obtaining government clearance before staging any festival is a legal obligation that also enables relevant agencies to make adequate security and logistical arrangements.
He noted that official approval helps safeguard participants, visitors and residents while ensuring that celebrations are conducted in an orderly manner.
The sensitisation meeting, themed “No Approval, No Celebration of Festivals,” was organised to educate traditional worshippers and cultural organisations on the state’s procedures for approving festivals.
Also addressing the gathering, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Sanu Bonu, disclosed that the state government is preparing legislation to regulate the activities of traditional religious organisations.
According to him, the proposed law is expected to provide a unified legal framework that will strengthen coordination among traditional institutions while promoting peaceful coexistence across Lagos.
Bonu also recalled that the Assembly played a key role in securing official recognition for Isese Day and revealed that consultations are ongoing to harmonise festival celebrations among traditional worshippers.
He added that discussions are also focused on designating a common day for traditional religious adherents to celebrate annually, similar to the recognised observances of Christians and Muslims.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Idowu Johnson, represented by Olumide Somoye, urged all traditional institutions and Isese practitioners to comply fully with the approval process before organising cultural events.
He said adherence to the government’s guidelines would encourage peaceful, well-coordinated and successful festivals throughout the state.
Traditional rulers, cultural scholars and representatives of registered associations who attended the meeting expressed their support for the directive, pledging to comply with the state’s regulations while continuing to promote unity and preserve Yoruba cultural heritage.
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