The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has cautioned residents against taking photographs, filming, or recording the Oloolu masquerade during this year’s annual Oloolu Festival.
Drivetvnews gathered that the monarch also reiterated that, in line with the customs and traditions of Ibadanland, women are prohibited from seeing the revered masquerade.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Olubadan’s Chief Press Secretary, Chief Solomon Ayoade, ahead of the commencement of the annual festival on Monday.
Described as one of the most significant masquerades in Ibadan’s history, the Oloolu procession attracts widespread attention each year. However, the traditional ruler stressed that participants and residents must respect the customs guiding the festival.
According to the statement, photographing, filming, or making video recordings of the Oloolu masquerade is strictly forbidden, while women are expected to avoid any contact with the masquerade throughout the procession.
The Olubadan also urged all masquerade groups, traditional worshippers, other religious adherents, and members of the public to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid actions capable of disrupting the celebration.
He further directed security agencies to maintain law and order and ensure that the festival is held without any breach of the peace.
