Egungun festival : Olubadan urges peaceful conduct

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, has called on masquerades and their followers not to oppress or intimidate innocent citizens prior, during and after this year’s Egungun festival.

The monarch gave the advice on Sunday in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Solomon Ayoade.

The egungun festival in the ancient city will start on Monday, June 23, with a courtesy visit to the Olubadan in his Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.

He said, “Make this year’s Egungun Festival peaceful, entertaining and attractive which will further enhance the promotion and preservation of Ibadanland’s cultural heritage and as well boost religious harmony and economic upliftment of not only Ibadan city but Yorubaland as a whole.

“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.

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

Oba Olakulehin stressed that all religions Islam, Christianity and African Traditional are accorded the same recognition without fear or favour, warning that religious bigotry and fanaticism, oppression, intimidation and violence will not be tolerated.