Olubadan Egungun Festival Warning: Oba Rasidi Ladoja urges peaceful celebrations and cautions masquerades against violence in Ibadan

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has issued a strong warning to masquerades and their followers ahead of the annual Egungun festival, stressing that the cultural celebration must not be used as a cover for violence or the settlement of personal disputes.

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The revered monarch made the declaration in a statement released on Sunday through his media aide, Chief Adeola Oloko, as preparations intensified for the commencement of the festival across Ibadanland on Monday.

The Olubadan Egungun Festival Warning comes amid heightened anticipation for one of the most significant traditional events in Oyo State, which attracts masquerades from various compounds and communities across the ancient city.

Oba Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State who ascended the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, emphasised that the festival is intended to promote peace, cultural heritage and communal harmony rather than conflict.

According to the monarch, any form of violent conduct during or after the festival would be unacceptable and punishable under the law.

“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,” the statement said.

The traditional ruler noted that the festival offers an opportunity for residents to reconnect with their history and celebrate the cultural identity of Ibadanland through music, dance and communal festivities.

“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,” Oba Ladoja stated.

The warning follows a long-standing tradition of appeals by traditional authorities and security agencies during the Egungun season, which occasionally witnesses clashes involving rival masquerade groups, supporters or residents in some communities.

Cultural historians describe the Egungun festival as one of the most important Yoruba traditional observances, symbolising ancestral reverence and serving as a platform for preserving indigenous customs and values.

Residents across Ibadan are expected to witness colourful displays by masquerades in strategic locations throughout the city in the coming days. Security agencies are also expected to monitor activities closely to ensure public safety and maintain order during the celebrations.

The latest intervention by the Olubadan reflects growing efforts by traditional institutions to preserve the cultural significance of the festival while discouraging actions that could undermine its peaceful and spiritual essence.

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As festivities begin, community leaders hope the event will once again showcase Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage while reinforcing the message that tradition and public safety must go hand in hand.