As the annual Ibadan Egungun festival kicks off on Monday, June 2022, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II has warned against any form of thuggery and related vices.
The Olubadan noted that the festival, which ordinarily should be means of entertainment and camaraderie, had over the years been marred by unscrupulous elements hence no form of hooliganism will be tolerated.
Oba Balogun gave this warning on Sunday through a Statement signed by his Media Aide, Oladele Ogunsola ahead of the commencement of the festival, the traditional vigil of which would be held Sunday night at the respective family houses that own and worship Egungun.
The festival, according to the Statement would kick off at the Aliiwo palace of the Olubadan with the major and big masquerades to be led by Atipako coming to dance for Oba Balogun accompanied by the members of Olubadan-in-Council and during which supplications would be made to gods for peace to reign in the land.
Oba Balogun, who would be hosting the masquerades for the first time since his coming to the Olubadan throne was quoted as saying that he would not tolerate any act of hooliganism with a threat to ban any masquerade whose supporters foment trouble or cause breach of the peace.
The Statement quotes the monarch as saying “I congratulate my sons and daughters in Ibadanland on this occasion of this year’s Egungun festival, the first of which I’m hosting as the Olubadan and appeal to all to be sensitive to the mood of the nation as regards security as we celebrate the annual festival.
“We must not lose touch with the purpose of the traditional event which is celebrated annually as a way of thanking our ancestors for the legacies of love, brotherliness and mode of worship bequeathed to us. It is also a period for us to seek for their continual guidance as well as protection from the ravages of all forms of diseases.
“We cannot afford to drop all these positive legacies on the alter of daylight robbery, hooliganism, brigandage and thuggery. Or can we turn the entertainment aspect of the festival into something that would leave a sour taste in the mouths of our people? I enjoin all to please celebrate with caution, love, and consideration for others”, the statement added.
Olubadan used the occasion to pray for peace and tranquility in Ibadanland just as he charged the security agencies to be alive to their responsibilities by nipping in the bud any form of violence before such escalates.
Adewumi Faniran / Titilayo Kupoliyi
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