Olubadan issues stern warning to masquerades ahead of Egungun Festival

By Adejayan Gbenga –

Ahead of this year’s Egungun Festival scheduled for Monday, June 23, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, has issued a strong warning to masquerades and their followers to avoid any form of violence.

The warning was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Solomon Ayoade, on Sunday.

Oba Olakulehin emphasized that masqueraders, their guardians, and followers must conduct themselves peacefully throughout the festival, adding that any form of violence would attract strict sanctions.

“Any violation of the peaceful co-existence in Ibadan will attract serious sanctions on the part of the Egungun masquerades, their followers, and residents—regardless of cultural or religious differences,” he said.

The monarch also urged traditional title holders, worshipers, security agencies, and residents to work together to ensure a successful and peaceful celebration.

He encouraged stakeholders to make the festival peaceful, entertaining, and culturally enriching to promote Ibadan’s heritage and religious harmony.

Oba Olakulehin noted that a successful Egungun Festival would also contribute to the economic and cultural upliftment of Ibadan and Yorubaland as a whole.