Lagos mandates approval for traditional festivals

The Lagos State Government has warned traditional worshippers and cultural groups that no festival will be permitted anywhere in the state without prior government approval.

This measure, the government says, is necessary to guarantee public safety, security and orderly celebrations.

The directive was issued during a recent stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting organised by the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture for registered traditional groups and associations at its headquarters in Ikeja.

Speaking at the meeting, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Adebopo Oyekan-Ismaila, represented by Director of Administration and Human Resources Taoreed Dosumu, said obtaining official approval before holding festivals was a legal requirement that would enable government agencies to provide adequate security and coordinate activities effectively.

Obtaining government approval is not only a statutory requirement but also a vital measure for ensuring adequate security, effective coordination and the safety of participants and the general public during festival celebrations,” he said.

The meeting, themed “No Approval, No Celebration of Festivals,” was organised to educate traditional institutions and Isese practitioners on the state’s approval process for cultural events.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Sanu Bonu, said the state was working on legislation that would provide a comprehensive legal framework for regulating the activities of traditional religious groups.

He said the proposed law would strengthen coordination among traditional institutions while promoting peaceful coexistence.

Bonu recalled the role played by the Assembly in securing the official recognition of Isese Day in Lagos and disclosed that efforts were underway to harmonise celebrations among traditional worshippers.

“The state government is actively working towards legislation that will provide a unified legal framework to regulate and guide the activities of traditionalists across Lagos State,” he said.

He added that discussions were also ongoing to establish a common day for traditional worshippers to celebrate together, similar to observances by Christian and Muslim communities.

Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Idowu Johnson, represented by Olumide Somoye, urged traditional institutions to comply with the approval requirement, saying adherence to government regulations would promote peaceful and successful festivals across the state.

“We urge all traditional institutions and Isese practitioners to always obtain the necessary government approvals before organising festivals and cultural activities.

“Compliance will promote orderly, peaceful and successful celebrations,” he said.

Traditional rulers, scholars and leaders of registered cultural associations who attended the meeting pledged to comply with the government’s directives while advocating unity, peaceful coexistence and the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage.