By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has called on all Ibadan Egungun (masquerades) and their guardians (Atokun) to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during this year’s festival to avoid any form of violence whatsoever.
The warning was conveyed in the a press statement issued and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the monarch, Chief Solomon Ayoade on Sunday.
The statement reads in part, “Make this year’s Egungun festival peaceful, entertaining and attractive which will further enhance the promotion and preservation of Ibadanland’s cultural heritage and to 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 any violation of the peaceful co- existence In Ibadan will attract serious sanctions on the part of Egungun masquerades, their followers and residents as well irrespective of the cultural and religious differences.”
According to the monarch, all religions: Islam, Christianity and African traditional religion are accorded the same recognition without fear or favour, saying “consequently, religious bigotry and fanaticism, oppression, intimidation and violence will not be tolerated”, Oba Olakulehin further warned.
Corenews reports that Egungun festival in Ibadanland will begin on Monday, 23rd June. It will kick start with the courtesy visit to Olubadan of Ibadanland at his Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, where the Masquerades will pay royal home and seek the blessing of the monarch.
