IBADAN, Oyo State — The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has issued a stern warning to masquerades and their followers against engaging in any form of violence during this year’s annual Egungun Festival, stressing that the cultural celebration must not be used as a pretext for lawlessness or settling personal scores.
Oba Ladoja gave the warning ahead of the commencement of the festival on Monday, which is scheduled to run across the eleven local government areas of the metropolitan city. In a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Adeola Oloko, the monarch emphasised that the Egungun Festival is an important cultural heritage that promotes unity, family values, and social cohesion among the people of Ibadanland.
“The festival is dedicated to celebrating our lore, customs and traditions. It is a moment to showcase the evolution of our society, social cohesion, family unity and solidarity through the offering of sacrifices,” Oba Ladoja said. “It is a time to reflect on our history as a people — where we are coming from and where we are right now. It is worth celebrating with drum beats, dance and merriment.”
However, the monarch cautioned that the annual cultural celebration should not be turned into an avenue for violence, supremacy contests, or retaliatory attacks among rival groups. “The festival is neither an avenue to settle old scores nor engage in supremacy contests or retaliatory attacks between masquerades and their opponents,” the Olubadan stated.
Oba Ladoja emphasised that any form of violent conduct remains punishable under the law and warned that offenders would be made to face the consequences of their actions. He declared that the festival is not a licence to terrorise citizens or engage in criminal activities in Ibadanland.
The first-class monarch assured residents that the palace had put in place necessary measures in collaboration with security agencies to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free celebration throughout the festival period. He urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agents in protecting lives and property and ensuring a peaceful atmosphere for the celebration.
Oba Ladoja also directed masquerades and their followers to strictly adhere to routes, locations, and time schedules approved by security authorities, warning against actions capable of endangering public safety or disrupting the festival. He appealed to community leaders, family heads, and organisers of masquerade groups to sensitise their members on the need to uphold peace before, during, and after the festivities.
The annual Egungun Festival attracts large crowds of residents and visitors, featuring colourful displays of masquerades, traditional performances, and cultural rites across different parts of Ibadanland.
