Chief Oladejo Moruf Rufai, the Mogaji of Omotara Okugbaja compound in Ita Baale Ori Okiti within Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State, has urged masquerades and their followers to refrain from using weapons during the Egungun Masquerades festival.
In a statement made on Monday, Rufai emphasized the importance of this appeal to prevent any form of violence during the festival.
Our correspondent has learned that the Egungun festival is scheduled to start on Sunday.
Before the festivities began, Chief Moshood Okugbaja from the Okugbaja compound officially welcomed masquerades into the Olubadan palace on Monday to inaugurate the festival.
However, Rufai has urged participating masquerades and their followers to conduct themselves peacefully during and after the festival.
He instructed the masquerades to refrain from using any weapons that could cause harm, noting that this would help reduce violence during the festival.
Yesterday, we initiated the Egungun festival in our compound. Chief Moshood Okugbaja, the Olori Alagba Ile Ibadan, is also from our community.
I urge all masquerades and their followers to behave peacefully. Please avoid carrying any kind of weapons during the festival.
This will help prevent any form of violence and clashes that typically characterized the festival in previous years.
Ibadan residents are known for their peace and tranquility. The days of frequent violence are behind us, as we now embrace a peaceful way of life in Ibadan.
I believe that no masquerade should carry weapons, and their followers should follow suit to prevent any potential conflicts.
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