As the Egungun Festival continues in Ibadanland, preparations have reached their peak for the most anticipated and spiritually significant masquerade event, the Oloolu Festival. According to an official press statement from the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Oloolu Masquerade will begin its annual outing on Monday, July 28, 2025, and will conclude on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
The statement, signed by Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, was released on Friday, detailing the four-day itinerary of the Oloolu, who is widely regarded as the most revered and feared Egungun in Ibadan’s cultural heritage.
As part of his sacred obligations, the Oloolu Masquerade will pay homage to critical institutions and personalities in the city. His visit will include a stop at the Oyo State Government House, Agodi, and the Olubadan Palace at Oke Aremo. One of the symbolic highlights of this year’s procession will be the royal visit to the Olubadan-designate, Oba (Senator) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, affirming the spiritual link between traditional religion and Ibadan’s royal institution.
However, the statement strongly warns that it is a grave taboo for women to come in contact with the Oloolu Masquerade. In keeping with longstanding customs and spiritual prescriptions, women are strictly advised to avoid crossing paths with the Oloolu, for their own safety and cultural compliance.
The Palace also called on all law enforcement agencies to rise to their duties by ensuring public safety, protection of lives and property, and by mitigating any criminal activity that has historically been associated with the Oloolu procession. The call for vigilance is to prevent any form of breakdown in law and order as the city hosts this spiritually intense festival.
The Oloolu Festival is a cornerstone of Ibadan’s rich cultural identity. Held annually, it serves the dual purpose of entertainment and spiritual appeasement, seeking blessings from the ancestral gods and goddesses for peace, unity, and progress across Ibadanland.
As the city braces for four dramatic days of masked mysticism, drums, and divine rituals, residents, especially women, are urged to observe all cultural guidelines, while authorities ensure a peaceful and safe festival for all.
