The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, has warned against any form of thuggery and related vices that some unscrupulous elements have made to accompany the festival which ordinarily should be means to entertainment and camaraderie.
The annual Ibadan Egungun Festival has kicked off today, Monday 27th June, 2022, with kick-off taking place at Aliiwo Palace, Agodi Gate, Ibadan.
The monarch gave this warning on Sunday, in a statement by his media aide, Oladele Ogunsola ahead of the commencement of the festival, the traditional vigil of which was held Sunday night at the respective family houses that own and worship Egungun.
The festival, according to the statement would kick off with the major and big masquerades led by Atipako coming to dance for Oba Balogun and the members of Olubadan-in-Council and during which supplications would be made to gods for peace to reign in the land.
Oba Balogun, who would be hosting the masquerades for the first time since his ascension to the Olubadan throne, said that he would not tolerate any act of hooliganism with a threat to ban any masquerade whose supporters forment trouble or cause breach of the peace.
According to the statement, “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.
“We must not lose 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 their continual guidance as well as protection from the ravages of all forms of diseases.
“We cannot afford to drop all these positive legacies on the altar of daylight 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 enjoin all to please celebrate with caution, love and consideration for others”, the statement added.
Olubadan used the occasion to pray for peace and tranquility in Ibadanland. He also charged the security agencies to be alive to their responsibilities by nipping in the bud any form of violence before such escalates.
