The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin has advised masquerades and their followers not to oppress or intimidate innocent citizens prior, during and after this year’s Egungun festival.
The traditional ruler gave the advice in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Solomon Ayoade on Sunday.
Report gathered that the yearly Egungun festival in Ibadan has been billed to take off Monday, the 23rd of June.
The Olubadan has, however, warned the masquerades and their followers against any act that can violate the rights of adherents of other religions.
He advised masquerades, their guardians and followers to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner, warninh that any form of violence will not be tolerated.
The Olubadan urged traditional title holders, traditional worshipers, the law enforcement agents and the residents of Ibadanland to ensure the success of the festival.
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 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 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”.