Olubadan of Ibadanland urges peaceful conduct during 2025 Egungun Festival to protect cultural heritage and promote unity in Ibadan and Yorubaland
Olubadan Egungun Festival peace warning has been issued by His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, as the 2025 edition of the traditional event commences today.
The paramount ruler called on all masquerades and their handlers to ensure peace throughout the celebrations.
The monarch’s appeal was made public through a statement signed by Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan.
In the message, the ruler emphasised the need to preserve Ibadan’s cultural identity by conducting the festival with utmost decorum.
“Make this year’s Egungun Festival peaceful, entertaining and attractive, a development that will further enhance the promotion and preservation of Ibadanland’s cultural heritage and boost religious harmony and economic upliftment of not only Ibadan city, but also entire Yorubaland,” Oba Olakulehin stated.
The Olubadan called on traditional title holders, religious adherents, law enforcement agencies, and the general public to work together to guarantee the festival’s success.
He warned that any act of violence, regardless of religious or cultural affiliations, would attract strict consequences.
“Let me state categorically that any violation of the peaceful co-existence in Ibadan will attract serious sanctions on the part of masquerades, their followers and residents as well irrespective of the cultural and religious differences,” he declared.
Oba Olakulehin reaffirmed his commitment to equality among faiths, stressing that Islam, Christianity, and African traditional religions all enjoy equal recognition in Ibadanland. He warned against any form of religious bigotry, fanaticism, or oppression.
The 2025 Egungun Festival officially begins today, 23 June, with the traditional courtesy visit of the masquerades to the Olubadan’s palace at Oke Aremo, Ibadan. The festival, a key highlight of Yoruba tradition, serves as both a spiritual event and a cultural celebration.
This year’s event is expected to attract participants from across Yorubaland and beyond, underscoring the need for discipline and coordination. The monarch’s message comes as a firm reminder that tradition thrives best in peace and mutual respect.
As Ibadan welcomes this season of cultural display, the Olubadan’s directive stands as a call for unity and collective responsibility to uphold peace in one of the oldest cities in West Africa.
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