The Olubadan of Ibadan land, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin 1) has admonished Ibadan Egungun (Masquerades) and their guardians (Atokun) to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during this year’s Egungun Festival to avoid any form of violence.
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 which will further enhance the promotion and preservation of Ibadanland’s cultural heritage and will boost religious harmony and economic upliftment of not only Ibadan city but Yorubaland as a whole.
I call on all stakeholders which includes 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.
“Let me state categorically that violation of peace in Ibadan will attract serious sanctions on the part of any Egungun Masquerade and their followers irrespective of the cultural and religious differences” the paramount ruler further stressed
According to the monarch, all religions, Islam, Christianity and African Traditional Religion are accorded the same recognition without fear or favour. Consequently, religious bigotry and fanaticism, oppression, intimidation and violence will not be tolerated, Oba Olakulehin further warned.
Egungun Festival in Ibadanland will start on Monday 23rd June, 2025 and will kick start with visit to Olubadan of Ibadanland at his Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
