Traditional ruler warns against acts capable of disrupting the annual masquerade celebration.
The 2026 Oloolu Masquerade Festival will commence on Monday, July 27, with a series of traditional visits across Ibadanland as part of activities marking this year’s celebration.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga.
According to the statement, the celebration will begin with Oloolu’s visit to the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr.) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Aruna I), at Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, where prayers will be offered for the monarch, members of the Olubadan-in-Council, indigenes, residents and the peace and prosperity of Ibadanland. The masquerade will later visit the residence of the Otun Olubadan, Oba (Sir) Eddy Oyewole, at Foko, Ibadan.
On Tuesday, July 28, Oloolu will pay a courtesy visit to Governor Seyi Makinde at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, before proceeding to Aliiwo, Yemetu, Oje Market, Isale-Afa, Oke-Aremo, Popo-Yemoja, Bode Market, Molete, Isale-Ijebu, Elekuro, Kobomoje and Oranmiyan.
The Mogaji of Ile Aje, Ode-Aje Oloolu Compound, Chief Kazeem Omotoso Abija, disclosed that the masquerade will continue its traditional tour on Wednesday, July 29, with visits to Ojagbo, Alafara Olubadan, Ita-Bale, Ogboriefon, Labo and Kobomoje.
The grand finale of the festival will hold on Thursday, July 30, when Oloolu visits Ile-Aperin, Agugu, Iyana Idi-Iroko, Awotunde Jegede, Itamerin-Gangansi and Babanla.
Congratulating the masquerade, indigenes and residents of Ibadanland for witnessing this year’s festival, the Olubadan urged all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful celebration.
The monarch warned that, in line with the traditions of Ibadanland, women must not look upon the Oloolu masquerade, while taking photographs or recording videos of the masquerade remains prohibited.
He also cautioned Oloolu masquerade adherents, leaders of other Egungun groups, religious adherents and members of the public against any act capable of causing unrest or a breakdown of law and order during the celebration.
The Olubadan called on security agencies to remain vigilant and discharge their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property throughout the festival period.
The monarch noted that the annual Ibadan Egungun Festival, which commenced on June 21, 2026, will officially end on July 30 with the grand finale of the Oloolu Festival, during which prayers will be offered for the peace, security, unity, progress and development of Ibadanland.