Egungun Festival: Olubadan calls for peaceful conduct

BY ADEGBOYEGA STEPHEN

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin 1), has admonished Ibadan Egungun (masquerades) and their guardians (atokuns) to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during this year’s Egungun Festival, to avoid any form of violence whatsoever.

The warning is contained in the palace press release issued and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga on Sunday.
“Make this year’s Egungun Festival peaceful, entertaining and attractive, a development that will further enhance the promotion and preservation of Ibadanland’s cultural heritage and boost religious harmony and economic upliftment of not only Ibadan city, but also entire Yorubaland.

“I call on all stakeholders, which include Ibadan traditional title holders, the traditional worshipers, the law enforcement agents and the residents of Ibadanland, to ensure the success of the 2025 Egungun Festival in Ibadanland.

READ ALSO: From Freetown to Abuja: Bio Charts Bold Vision as ECOWAS Chair

“Let me state categorically that any violation of the peaceful co-existence in Ibadan will attract serious sanctions on the part of masquerades, their followers and residents as well irrespective of the cultural and religious differences” the paramount ruler further stressed.

According to the monarch, all religions, “Islam, Christianity and African traditional religions are accorded the same recognition without fear or favour.
“Consequently, religious bigotry and fanaticism, oppression, intimidation and violence will not be tolerated.”
Egungun Festival in Ibadanland will start today, 23rd June, 2025 and will kick start with the courtesy visit to Olubadan of Ibadanland at his palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.