Egungun festival not license to terrorise citizens – Olubadan warns masquerades, followers

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has declared that the yearly Egungun (masquerade) festival is not a licence to cause any form of violence in the ancient city.

Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, made this declaration in a statement signed by his media aide, Chief Adeola Oloko.

The statement was made available to DAILY POST on Sunday in Ibadan, the state capital.

DAILY POST gathered that the annual Egungun festival has been slated to commence tomorrow (Monday).

Our correspondent reports that masquerades from different compounds in Ibadanland are expected to be seen in strategic locations across the ancient city from tomorrow.

Ladoja, in the statement, cautioned the masquerades and their handlers to shun all forms of violence during and after the festival.

The traditional ruler explained that the festival aims to foster peace and harmony in the ancient city.

He warned that the festival is not an avenue to settle old scores, engage in supremacy contests, or carry out retaliatory attacks between masquerades and their opponents.

“Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja has tasked masquerades and their followers to eschew violence during and after the festival, as violent conduct of any kind is punishable under the law.

“It is a time to reflect on our history as a people, where we are coming from and where we are right now. It is worth celebrating with drumbeats, dance and merriment.”