The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has issued a firm warning to masquerades and their followers ahead of the annual Egungun Festival, cautioning against any form of violence during the celebration.
The festival, which is set to begin on Monday, is a long standing Yoruba cultural event that honours ancestral spirits through colourful displays, music, and traditional performances across communities in the South West.
In a statement released in Ibadan through his media aide, Chief Adeola Oloko, the monarch stressed that any act of violence before, during, or after the festival would attract appropriate legal consequences.
He made it clear that the Egungun Festival is not an avenue for settling disputes, rivalries, or engaging in any form of retaliation among groups of masquerades or their supporters. According to him, the celebration is meant to reflect unity, cultural pride, and respect for tradition.
The Olubadan described the festival as a deeply rooted cultural practice that has been passed down through generations, noting that it provides an opportunity for reflection on the history and identity of the people while promoting social harmony and family togetherness.
He further emphasized that the event should be marked with joy, drumming, dancing, and peaceful gatherings, adding that it remains a vital expression of Ibadan’s cultural heritage.
Oba Ladoja also assured residents that adequate arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration of the 2026 edition of the festival.
He called on the public to cooperate fully with security agencies throughout the period, urging masquerades and their followers to strictly adhere to designated routes and timelines as set by law enforcement authorities.
