Olubadan urges peaceful celebration as masquerade festival begins Monday

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The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has announced the programme of activities lined up for the 2026 Oloolu Masquerade Festival, urging residents and participants to ensure a peaceful celebration in line with the traditions of Ibadanland.

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The announcement was contained in a press statement issued on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Chief Ayoade Olugbemiga, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

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According to the statement, the four-day festival will commence on Monday, July 27, 2026, with Aisun Odun Oloolu (festival eve).

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“The Oloolu Masquerade will first pay a courtesy visit to the Olubadan at his Oke-Aremo Palace where prayers will be offered for the monarch, members of the Olubadan-in-Council, indigenes, residents and the continued peace and prosperity of Ibadanland. The masquerade will thereafter visit the residence of the Otun Olubadan, Oba (Sir) Eddy Oyewole, at Foko, Ibadan.

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“On Tuesday, July 28, the Oloolu Masquerade, led by the Mogaji Ile Aje, Ode-Aje Oloolu Compound, Chief Kazeem Omotoso Abija, will visit Governor ‘Seyi Makinde at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan. The day’s itinerary also includes visits to Aliiwo, Yemetu, Oje Market, Isale-Afa, Oke-Aremo, Popo-Yemoja, Bode Market, Molete, Isale-Ijebu, Elekuro, Kobomoje and Oranmiyan. The festival will continue on Wednesday, July 29, with visits to Ojagbo, Alafara Olubadan, Ita-Bale, Ogboriefon, Labo and Kobomoje.

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“The grand finale will hold on Thursday, July 30, when the masquerade will visit Ile-Aperin, Agugu, Iyana Idi-Iroko, Awotunde Jegede, Itamerin-Gangansi and Babanla,” the statement said.

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Congratulating the masquerade, indigenes and residents of Ibadanland for witnessing this year’s celebration, Oba Ladoja called on all stakeholders to allow peace to reign throughout the festival.

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The monarch reiterated that, in accordance with the tradition of Ibadanland, women are forbidden from seeing the Oloolu Masquerade. He also cautioned members of the public against taking photographs or recording videos of the masquerade during the festival.

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Oba Ladoja further warned the Oloolu Masquerade, other Egungun leaders and their followers, adherents of various religions and members of the public to refrain from any act capable of causing unrest or a breakdown of law and order during the celebration.

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The statement added that Oba Ladoja also urged security agencies to remain vigilant and discharge their responsibilities by protecting lives and property throughout the festival.

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The Olubadan recalled that the Ibadan Egungun Festival, which began on June 21, 2026, will officially end on Thursday, July 30, with the Oloolu Masquerade’s traditional visits to notable areas of Ibadan metropolis to offer prayers for security, peace, unity, progress and the continued development of Ibadanland.

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