The Oyo State Government has announced the scheduled movement of the popular Oloolu Masquerade across selected areas of Ibadan from Monday, 28 July to Thursday, 31 July 2025.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, who described the Oloolu Masquerade as one of the most significant Egungun festivals in Ibadan, deeply rooted in the city’s cultural heritage.
Olatunbosun explained that, by tradition, women are forbidden from seeing the Oloolu Masquerade, with the exception of women born as triplets, who are believed to receive special blessings from the masquerade.
He added that, unlike other masquerades, the Oloolu does not follow a fixed route, as its movement is guided by spiritual tradition.
According to the commissioner, areas expected to be visited during the procession include the Aafin Olubadan, Beere, Oje, Idi Arere, Gate, Agbeni, Orita Merin, Oja-Oba, Ayeye, Oranyan, Oke Aremo, Agugu and Ore Meji, among others.
The state government appealed to residents of Ibadan, particularly women, to respect the cultural significance of the festival and cooperate with local authorities and community leaders during the masquerade’s procession.
It also thanked residents for their continued support and understanding as the state celebrates an important aspect of Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage.
