The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, on Sunday, admonished Ibadan Egungun (Masquerades) and their guardians (Atokun) to conduct themselves peacefully during this year’s Egungun Festival to avoid any form of violence whatsoever.

This was contained in a press statement issued and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Solomon Ayoade.

The royal father said, “Make this year’s Egungun festival peaceful, entertaining and attractive, which will further enhance the promotion and preservation of Ibadanland’s cultural heritage and will boost religious harmony and economic upliftment of not only Ibadan city but Yorubaland as a whole.

“I call on all stakeholders, including Ibadan traditional title holders, traditional worshipers, law enforcement agents, and residents of Ibadanland, to ensure the success of the 2025 Egungun Festival in Ibadanland.

“Let me state categorically that any violation of the peaceful co-existence in Ibadan will attract serious sanctions on the part of Egungun Masquerades, their followers and residents as well, irrespective of the cultural and religious differences.”

According to the monarch, all religions, including Islam, Christianity, and African traditional religion, are accorded the same recognition without fear or favour. Consequently, religious bigotry and fanaticism, oppression, intimidation and violence will not be tolerated, Oba Olakulehin further warned.

The Egungun Festival in Ibadanland will commence on Monday, 23rd June 2025, with a courtesy visit to the Olubadan.