The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, has taken the decision to halt the ongoing Egungun festival due to incidents of violence, arson, and looting of shops.
Olubadan suspended the festival after the reports that hoodlums exploiting the festival as a cover for their unlawful activities.
In a statement released on Sunday in Ibadan, the Olubadan’s Personal Assistant on Media, Mr Oladele Ogunsola, conveyed the ruler’s disappointment over the violent acts that have circulated widely in a viral video.
To address the situation, the Olubadan has called for an emergency meeting on Monday afternoon at the ancient Aliiwo palace in Agodi, Ibadan.
However, the traditional ruler expressed his sorrow at the violence that has marred the annual festival, emphasizing that he had previously cautioned against transforming the event into an avenue for havoc.
Earlier, Oba Balogun had condemned the violence that occurred during the festival in the Alafara area.
Despite issuing warnings, the hoodlums escalated their attacks on people and properties on Saturday.
Disappointed by this turn of events, the Olubadan emphasized that he had received assurances from the leaders of the masquerades that no untoward incidents would accompany the festival.
The Olubadan stressed that a responsible leader cannot remain passive when the majority of his subjects live in fear and agony due to the actions of a few individuals who refuse to abide by the law. Consequently, the decision to suspend the festival has been made, and the duration of the suspension will depend on the outcome of the Monday afternoon meeting.
Oba Balogun firmly stated that the days of terrorizing perceived enemies and engaging in violent attacks during the masquerade festival belong to the past. Any attempt to resurrect such behavior will be met with severe sanctions.
The traditional ruler called on the security agencies to be vigilant and ensure that no culprit is spared. Anyone who violates the suspension order, regardless of their pretext, should be treated as a criminal.
The Olubadan reiterated his commitment to peace, emphasizing that he will not tolerate anything that disturbs the peace of his people.
