Oloolu Masquerade Festival 2026 begins July 27 in Ibadan as Olubadan Rashidi Ladoja warns against violence and advises women in affected areas.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has called for peace and responsible conduct as the 2026 Oloolu Masquerade Festival begins in Ibadan, warning worshippers and participants against violence, disorder and any act capable of threatening public safety.
The annual Oloolu masquerade activities are scheduled to commence on Monday, July 27, and continue until Thursday, July 30, as part of the ongoing Ibadan Egungun Festival.
Ahead of the festival, Oba Ladoja urged the Oloolu masquerade and its worshippers to ensure that the traditional celebration is conducted peacefully and without actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
The monarch’s position was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Solomon Ayoade.
Oba Ladoja appealed to all participants to respect the peace and security of residents in the communities that will be visited by the masquerade during the four-day programme.
He warned against violence, brigandage and other forms of misconduct, stressing the importance of preserving peace throughout the Oloolu festival.
The Olubadan also called on security agencies to remain vigilant and take their responsibilities seriously by protecting the lives and property of residents during the celebration.
According to the monarch, law enforcement personnel must be prepared to prevent any situation that could result in a breakdown of law and order as the masquerade moves through different parts of the Ibadan metropolis.
As part of the traditional guidelines surrounding the Oloolu masquerade, Oba Ladoja also advised women living in areas where the masquerade is scheduled to visit to remain indoors during its appearance.
The advice is based on the traditional belief that women are not permitted to see the Oloolu masquerade.
Residents in affected communities are therefore expected to take note of the scheduled movements and observe the relevant traditional restrictions to avoid unnecessary confrontations or misunderstandings.
The Oloolu festival is also associated with restrictions concerning the recording of the masquerade. Participants and residents are expected to respect the traditional rules regarding photographs and videos during the masquerade’s appearances.
The 2026 Oloolu Masquerade Festival is expected to begin on Monday with prayers and traditional activities involving the Olubadan, members of the Olubadan-in-Council, indigenes and residents of Ibadanland.
The Oloolu is scheduled to visit the Olubadan and later proceed to the residence of the Otun Olubadan, Oba (Sir) Eddy Oyewole, in the Foko area of Ibadan.
The festival programme will continue on Tuesday, July 28, with a visit to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at the Government House in Agodi, Ibadan.
The masquerade is expected to proceed to several other locations across the city after the visit to the governor.
The areas listed on Tuesday’s itinerary include Aliiwo, Yemetu, Oje Market, Isale-Afa, Oke Aremo, Popo-Yemoja, Bode Market, Molete, Isale-Ijebu, Elekuro, Kobomoje and Oranmiyan.
On Wednesday, July 29, the Oloolu masquerade will continue its traditional procession with scheduled visits to Ojagbo, Alafara, Olubadan Ita-Bale, Ogboriefon, Labo and Kobomoje.
The final day of the 2026 Oloolu Masquerade Festival is scheduled for Thursday, July 30.
On the final day, the masquerade is expected to visit Ile-Aperin, Agugu, Iyana Idi-Iroko, Awotunde Jegede, Itamerin-Gangansi and Babanla.
The activities will mark the conclusion of this year’s Oloolu masquerade celebration and the final stage of the broader Ibadan Egungun Festival, which began on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
The grand finale is expected to feature traditional rites and prayers for the security, peace, unity, progress and development of Ibadanland.
The annual Egungun Festival remains an important part of the cultural heritage of Ibadan, attracting traditional worshippers, residents and visitors who participate in or observe various activities associated with the celebration.
However, the movement of masquerades through busy communities, markets and major roads can affect normal activities and movement in some parts of the city. Residents are therefore encouraged to remain aware of the festival schedule and take note of areas where the Oloolu is expected to appear.
The Olubadan’s warning is expected to reinforce the need for peaceful participation as the festival enters its concluding phase.
Security agencies are also expected to maintain adequate surveillance around the various locations on the Oloolu’s itinerary to ensure the protection of residents and prevent criminal activities.
Oba Ladoja’s message comes as Ibadan prepares for the final days of the 2026 Egungun Festival, with the traditional institution calling on worshippers and residents to ensure that the celebration is not marred by violence or disorder.
The monarch’s appeal also highlights the need for traditional customs to be observed alongside respect for public safety and the rights of residents.
With the Oloolu masquerade scheduled to visit several locations between July 27 and July 30, the cooperation of worshippers, residents, traditional authorities and security agencies will be crucial to ensuring a peaceful conclusion to the festival.
The 2026 Oloolu Masquerade Festival is expected to end with prayers seeking continued peace, security, unity and prosperity for Ibadanland.
About The Author
