THE Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), has announced that the 2026 Oloolu Masquerade Festival will commence on Monday, 27 July, with a series of traditional visits across Ibadan, while urging residents to maintain peace throughout the four-day celebration.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the monarch’s Chief Press Secretary, Chief Solomon Ayoade.
As part of the festival guidelines, the Olubadan warned that women must not see the Oloolu masquerade, describing it as a long-standing taboo in the tradition of Ibadanland.
He also prohibited the taking of photographs or videos of the masquerade.
According to the statement, the festival will begin on Monday with Aisun Odun Oloolu, the eve of the celebration.
The Oloolu masquerade will first pay a courtesy visit to the Olubadan at his palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, where prayers will be offered for the monarch, members of the Olubadan-in-Council, indigenes, residents, and the continued peace and prosperity of Ibadanland.
The masquerade will later proceed to the residence of the Otun Olubadan, Oba (Sir) Eddy Oyewole, in the Foko area of Ibadan.
The Mogaji of Ile Aje, Ode-Aje Oloolu Compound, Chief Kazeem Omotoso Abija, said the masquerade would, on Tuesday, 28 July, pay a courtesy visit to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at the Government House, Agodi, before touring Aliiwo, Yemetu, Oje Market, Isale-Afa, Oke-Aremo, Popo-Yemoja, Bode Market, Molete, Isale-Ijebu, Elekuro, Kobomoje and Oranmiyan.
On Wednesday, 29 July, the masquerade is scheduled to visit Ojagbo, Alafara Olubadan, Ita-Bale, Ogboriefon, Labo and Kobomoje.
The festival will conclude on Thursday, 30 July, with visits to Ile-Aperin, Agugu, Iyana Idi-Iroko, Awotunde Jegede, Itamerin-Gangansi and Babanla.
Congratulating the masquerade, indigenes and residents of Ibadanland on witnessing this year’s festival, Oba Ladoja appealed for peaceful conduct throughout the celebrations.
“Women must not see the Oloolu masquerade, as it remains a taboo according to the tradition of Ibadanland. Likewise, photographs and videos of the masquerade should not be taken,” the monarch said.
He also cautioned the Oloolu masquerade, other Egungun leaders and their followers, adherents of other religions, and members of the public against any act capable of disrupting public peace.
“All stakeholders should give peace a chance and desist from any activity capable of causing crisis or a breakdown of law and order during the festival,” Oba Ladoja added.
The traditional ruler further urged security agencies to remain vigilant and ensure adequate protection of lives and property throughout the festivities.
He noted that the ongoing Ibadan Egungun Festival, which began on 21 June 2026, will officially end on 30 July with the grand finale of the Oloolu Masquerade Festival.
According to the palace, the final procession will be dedicated to prayers for God’s continued protection, peace, unity, progress and development of Ibadanland.
