The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has announced the programme of activities for the 2026 Oloolu Masquerade Festival and called on residents, participants, and stakeholders to ensure a peaceful celebration in line with the cherished traditions of Ibadan land.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Ayoade Olugbemiga, the monarch outlined the four-day festival, which officially begins on Monday, July 27, 2026, with Aisun Odun Oloolu (the festival eve).
According to the statement, the Oloolu Masquerade will first pay a courtesy visit to the Olubadan at his Oke-Aremo Palace, 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 thereafter proceed to the residence of the Otun Olubadan, Oba (Sir) Eddy Oyewole, at Foko.
On Tuesday, July 28, the Oloolu Masquerade, led by the Mogaji of Ile Aje, Ode-Aje Oloolu Compound, Chief Kazeem Omotoso Abija, will visit Governor Seyi Makinde at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan. The day’s itinerary also includes visits to Aliiwo, Yemetu, Oje Market, Isale-Afa, Oke-Aremo, Popo-Yemoja, Bode Market, Molete, Isale-Ijebu, Elekuro, Kobomoje, and Oranmiyan.
Activities continue on Wednesday, July 29, with visits to Ojagbo, Alafara Olubadan, Ita-Bale, Ogboriefon, Labo, and Kobomoje. The grand finale holds on Thursday, July 30, when the masquerade will visit Ile-Aperin, Agugu, Iyana Idi-Iroko, Awotunde Jegede, Itamerin-Gangansi, and Babanla.
Congratulating the masquerade, indigenes, and residents of Ibadan land on witnessing this year’s celebration, Oba Ladoja urged all stakeholders to allow peace to reign throughout the festival. He reiterated that, in accordance with the tradition of Ibadanland, women are forbidden from seeing the Oloolu Masquerade. He also cautioned members of the public against taking photographs or recording videos of the masquerade during the festival.
The Olubadan further warned the Oloolu Masquerade, other Egungun leaders and their followers, adherents of various religions, and members of the public to refrain from any act capable of causing unrest or a breakdown of law and order. He urged security agencies to remain vigilant and discharge their responsibilities by protecting lives and property throughout the celebration.
Oba Ladoja recalled that the broader Ibadan Egungun Festival, which commenced on June 21, 2026, will officially conclude on Thursday, July 30, with the Oloolu Masquerade’s traditional visits to notable areas of the metropolis to offer prayers for security, peace, unity, progress, and the continued development of Ibadan land.
The palace has put necessary arrangements in place to ensure a hitch-free festival and called on residents to cooperate fully with law enforcement agents.