The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has advised women to remain indoors during the annual Oloolu masquerade procession and warned residents against taking photographs or recording videos of the revered masquerade.
The monarch, a former governor of Oyo State, said the customs of Ibadanland forbid women from seeing the Oloolu masquerade and urged residents to observe all traditions and regulations associated with the festival.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Olubadan’s Chief Press Secretary, Chief Solomon Ayoade.
According to the statement, this year’s Oloolu Festival will commence on Monday. The Olubadan described the event as one of the most important traditional festivals in Ibadanland.
He reiterated that residents must not photograph, film or otherwise record the Oloolu masquerade. He also stressed that women should remain indoors during the procession in accordance with the customs of Ibadanland.
The traditional ruler further called on security agencies to ensure the festival is conducted peacefully and to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
The statement quoted the monarch as saying: “His Imperial Majesty warned women not to see Oloolu, as it is a taboo according to the tradition of Ibadanland. Photographs and videos of the masquerade should not be taken.
“Kabiyesi also warned the Oloolu masquerade, other Egungun leaders and their followers, adherents of other religions, as well as members of the public, to give peace a chance and desist from any activity that could cause a crisis or lead to a breakdown of law and order during the festival.”
