The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has released the official itinerary and safety guidelines for the annual Oloolu Masquerade Festival, scheduled to run from Monday, July 27, to Thursday, July 30, 2026. The revered masquerade will appear daily from 4:00 p.m. until dawn, traversing multiple communities across the ancient city.
Festival Dates and Duration
According to a statement from the Olubadan's palace, issued through Chief Press Secretary Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, the four-day festival remains one of Ibadan's most significant traditional events, drawing large crowds each year. The palace emphasised the importance of adhering to longstanding customs, particularly the prohibition on women encountering the masquerade.
“It is a taboo for women to see Oloolu Masquerade; consequently, women are thoroughly advised to avoid the Masquerade at all costs and not cross his paths in their own interest,” the statement read.
Full Itinerary Across Ibadan
The festival opens on Monday with special prayers at the palace for the Olubadan, members of the Olubadan-in-Council, residents, and the entire Ibadan community. Following the prayers, the masquerade will visit the residence of the Otun Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole, in the Foko area.
On Tuesday, the Oloolu masquerade is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at the Government House in Agodi before continuing its procession through Aliiwo, Yemetu, Oje Market, Isale Afa, Oke Aremo, Popo Yemoja, Bode Market, Molete, Isale Ijebu, Elekuro, Kobomoje, and Oranmiyan.
Wednesday's route covers Ojagbo, Alafara Olubadan, Ita Bale, Ogboriefon, Labo, and Kobomoje. The festival concludes on Thursday with visits to Ile Aperin, Agugu, Iyana Idi Iroko, Awotunde Jegede, Itamerin Gangansi, and Babanla.
Security and Violence Concerns
The Olubadan called on participants and worshippers to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the celebration. He urged security agencies to maintain law and order and to prevent the violence and criminal activities that have occasionally marred previous editions of the festival.
The palace described the annual Oloolu Masquerade Festival as a vital cultural event held to entertain participants and honour the gods and goddesses of Ibadanland, while seeking peace, unity, and continued progress for the ancient city.
Related Incident: Masquerade Killing
In a related development, the Oyo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of a 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, who was allegedly attacked by a masquerade and his followers during a procession in the Labiran area of Ibadan. Police stated that the incident was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday by a woman identified as Mrs. Aderemi. The investigation is ongoing.
