The Olubadan of Ibadanland,Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has warned masquerades and their followers against acts of violence during this year’s Egungun Festival, stressing that the annual cultural celebration should not be used as a pretext for lawlessness or settling personal scores.

Oba Ladoja gave the warning ahead of the commencement of the festival on Monday, urging participants to conduct themselves peacefully and in accordance with the law.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Adeola Oloko, Oba Ladoja described the Egungun Festival as an important cultural heritage that promotes unity, family values and social cohesion among the people of Ibadanland.

He said the festival, which has been celebrated from time immemorial, provides an opportunity for the people to showcase their customs, traditions and shared history.

According to the monarch, the event is dedicated to celebrating the cultural identity of the people through traditional rites, sacrifices, music, dance and communal gatherings.

“The festival is a moment to showcase our lore, customs and traditions. It is a time to reflect on our history as a people, where we are coming from and where we are today,” he said.

Oba Ladoja noted that while the festival is traditionally associated with merriment and communal celebrations, it should not be turned into an avenue for violence, supremacy contests or retaliatory attacks among rival groups.

He emphasised that any form of violent conduct remains punishable under the law and warned that offenders would be made to face the consequences of their actions.

“The festival is neither an avenue to settle old scores nor engage in supremacy contests or retaliatory attacks between masquerades and their opponents,” the Olubadan said.

The first-class monarch assured residents that the palace had put in place necessary measures to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free celebration.

He also called on residents to cooperate with security agencies and other law enforcement personnel deployed to maintain order during the festival.

The Olubadan urged masquerades and their followers to adhere strictly to guidelines issued by security agencies, including designated routes, locations and approved times for their activities.

He maintained that peaceful conduct by all participants would help preserve the cultural significance of the festival and enhance its reputation as one of the foremost traditional celebrations in Yorubaland.

The monarch appealed to community leaders, family heads and organisers of masquerade groups to sensitise their members on the need to uphold peace before, during and after the festivities.

The annual Egungun Festival attracts large crowds of residents and visitors, featuring colourful displays of masquerades, traditional performances and cultural rites across different parts of Ibadanland.