Olubadan Cautions Masquerade Supporters Against Violence As ‘Egungun’ Festival Kicks Off In Ibadan.
Ahead of tomorrow’s, Monday June 27th, 2022 annual Ibadan Egungun festival, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II wants traditionalists to jettison any form of thuggery that might disrupt the peace of Ibadanland.
In a statement by the media aide to Oba Balogun Oladele Ogunsola on Sunday, the monarch enjoined all stakeholders to celebrate with caution, love and consideration for others.
“We cannot afford to drop all these positive legacies on the alter of day light robbery, hooliganism, brigandage and thuggery. Or can we turn the entertainment aspect of the festival to something that would leave sour taste in the mouths of our people?
“I congratulate my sons and daughters in Ibadanland on this occasion of this year’s Egungun festival, the first of which I’m hosting as the Olubadan and appeal to all to be sensitive to the mood of the nation as regards security as we celebrate the annual festival.” He said
He further noted “We must not loose touch with the purpose of the traditional event which is celebrated annually as a way of thanking our ancestors for the legacies of love, brotherliness and mode of worship bequeathed to us. It is also a period for us to seek for their continual guidance as well as protection from the ravages of all forms of diseases.
The festival, according to the statement would kick off at the Aliiwo palace of the Olubadan with the major and big masquerades to be led by Atipako coming to dance for Oba Balogun, accompanied by the members of Olubadan-in-Council and during which supplications would be made to gods for peace to reign in the land.
Olubadan used the occasion to pray for peace and tranquility in Ibadanland just as he charged the security agencies to be alive to their responsibilities by nipping in the bud any form of violence before such escalates.
