The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has cautioned the Oloolu masquerade and its worshippers against violence as the yearly festival kicks off on Monday, 27 July 2026.

Oba Ladoja was quoted in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Ayoade Olugbemiga, as cautioning both the masquerade and worshippers to desist from any act capable of igniting crisis in the state.

He also called on the law enforcement agents to prevent the breakdown of law and order during the festival by being alive to their cardinal responsibility of protecting the lives and property of the people.

Oba Ladoja advised the women to stay indoors in some of the areas that the masquerade has been scheduled to visit.

He noted that it is forbidden for women to behold the sight of the Oloolu masquerade.

Oloolu will on Monday offer prayers for Olubadan, his council members, indigenes, residents and Ibadanland as a whole, and later visit the Otun Olubadan Oba (Sir)) Eddy Oyewole’s residence at Foko Area of Ibadan the same day

On Tuesday, Oloolu will visit His Excellency the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde at Government House, Agodi, Ibadan; he will later visit Aliiwo, Yemetu, Oje Market, Isale -Afa, Oke Aremo, Popo – Yemoja, Bode Market, Molete, Isale-Ijebu, Elekuro, Kobomoje and then to Oranmiyan.

On Wednesday 29th July, Oloolu will visit Ojagbo, Alafara Olubadan, Ita-Bale, Ogboriefon, Labo, Kobomoje.

On Thursday 30th July, which is the last day of the Oloolu Masquerade festival celebration for this year, the masquerade will visit Ile – Aperin, Agugu, Iyana Idi-Iroko, Awotunde Jegede, Itamerin-Gangansi, Babanla.

It would be recalled that Ibadan Egungun Festival, which commenced on Sunday 21st June this year, will end on Thursday 30th July 2026 with the grand finale of the Oloolu visit to some notable areas within Ibadan metropolis to appease God and offer prayers for the security, peace, unity, progress and development of Ibadanland.