Masquerade traditionalists summon skitmaker Ozain over controversial video
By Tosin Brown
Popular skitmaker Hussein Mubarak Kehinde, popularly known as Ozain, has been summoned by the Ìjọ Ọjẹ Parapọ̀ Welfare Association, Nigeria and Overseas, over a controversial video depicting a Yoruba masquerade in a manner deemed disrespectful to tradition.
The video, which has sparked widespread criticism, has drawn the ire of traditionalists who argue that it undermines Yoruba cultural and spiritual practices.
Speaking on behalf of the association, its president, Ọmọ’ba Adéọlá Ayoola, demanded that Ozain and his team appear before the Olórí Alágbáà (head of masquerades) at Ogungbaja’s house in Ibadan on Friday, March 14, 2025, to explain the intention behind the skit.
“We expect Ozain and his team at the house of Olórí Alágbáà at Ogungbaja’s house, Ibadan, by tomorrow, March 14, 2025, to provide clarification regarding the video. We implore you to honor this summons,” Ayoola stated in Yoruba.
The controversial skit features Ozain portraying a wealthy man chauffeured in a luxury car. A masquerade, accompanied by its handlers, approaches him for money. While Ozain’s character gives money to the handlers, he deliberately ignores the masquerade.
The situation escalates when he insults the masquerade and dares the person behind the mask to reveal their face. When the masquerade obliges, Ozain and his driver mockingly refuse to offer any money, despite previously flaunting wads of cash.
The video concludes with Ozain driving off while continuing to verbally abuse the masquerade, an act that traditionalists say violates the sacred principles of Yoruba masquerade customs.
