The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has issued a strong warning to masqueraders and their followers against engaging in violence during this year’s annual Egungun Festival, stressing that anyone who disrupts public peace will face the full weight of the law. The warning comes as preparations intensify for one of the most significant cultural celebrations in Ibadan and the wider Yoruba region.
The monarch, through a statement released by his media aide, Chief Adeola Oloko, emphasised that the festival is a sacred cultural event meant to preserve tradition, promote unity and celebrate the ancestral heritage of the Ibadan people rather than serve as an avenue for disorder or personal vendettas.
Oba Ladoja cautioned participants against turning the celebration into a platform for supremacy battles, retaliation or settling old scores. According to him, any act capable of threatening public safety would attract appropriate sanctions under existing laws. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The annual Egungun Festival is one of the oldest and most revered cultural events among the Yoruba people. It is characterised by colourful masquerade displays, traditional drumming, dancing, rituals and communal gatherings that honour ancestral spirits and strengthen cultural identity. The festival also serves as a period of reflection on the history, values and evolution of the Ibadan community.
Speaking on the significance of the celebration, the Olubadan described it as an opportunity to showcase social cohesion, family unity and solidarity among the people. He said the event has been celebrated from time immemorial and remains an important symbol of Ibadan’s heritage and collective identity.
To ensure a peaceful event, the traditional ruler disclosed that the palace has collaborated with relevant stakeholders and security agencies to put adequate measures in place. He urged residents to cooperate fully with law enforcement officials deployed for the festival and adhere strictly to all movement restrictions and operational guidelines.
Oba Ladoja further reminded masqueraders and their supporters that preserving the peaceful atmosphere of the celebration is a collective responsibility. He noted that cultural heritage can only thrive when participants demonstrate discipline, mutual respect and a commitment to public safety.
With thousands of residents and visitors expected to participate, authorities are determined to ensure that this year’s Egungun Festival remains a celebration of culture and tradition rather than an occasion overshadowed by violence or unrest.
