Olubadan palace warns women to avoid Oloolu Masquerade during festival

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The Palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland has announced that the revered Oloolu Masquerade Festival will be held from Monday, July 28 to Thursday, July 31, 2025, as part of this year’s Egungun Festival in Ibadan.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, and released on Friday.

According to the statement, the Oloolu Masquerade will pay traditional visits to key locations including the Government House at Agodi, the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, the residence of the Olubadan-designate, Oba (Senator) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, and other prominent sites across the Ibadan metropolis.

The palace issued a strong advisory to residents, particularly women, to avoid seeing or crossing paths with the Oloolu Masquerade, stressing that such encounters are considered taboo in Ibadan culture.

To maintain peace and public safety, the palace urged security agencies to be proactive in safeguarding lives and property throughout the duration of the festival.

The statement also appealed to residents to observe traditional rules associated with the festival and to avoid actions that could disrupt public order or provoke conflict.

The Oloolu Festival remains one of the most historic and spiritual events in Ibadan, celebrated annually to honor ancestral spirits, seek divine blessings, and promote unity and prosperity in the city.