The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has directed masquerades not to visit High Chief in their domains as the annual Egungun festival begins in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
Adeola Oloko, Palace spokesman, made this known in a press statement released on Sunday, in Ibadan.
Oloko said this decision came after a 2-hour security meeting with stakeholders at his Popoyemoja, Ibadan place over the weekend, the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1stated that the decision to suspend the masquerade dance this year is in the overall public interest.
“As the chief custodian of our culture and tradition, I also owe it a duty to work in tandem with the law enforcement agents not to turn the celebration of our custom and tradition into a theatre of war.”
The Olubadan who commended the security operatives for smooth-free Oke’Badan festival last March urged them to raise the bar of egungun festival this year. He also appealed to other stakeholders to cooperate with law enforcement agents by operating within the armbit of law.
In attendance at the meeting were ACP A. O Abimbola who represented Oyo Police Commissioner; ACP Dan Miller, CIID, Iyaganku; Mrs. B. T Agboola who represented the State Director of SSS and five Divisional Police Officers of Mokola, Yemetu, Mapo, Idi Aro and Agugu. All the leaders of masquerades’ associations in Ibadan land including the Alagbaa, Baale Labala and others were also present at the meeting.
Olubadan’s decision after the controversies rocking the chieftaincy review between the High Chiefs and Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
