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Tag: Olubadan

  • Olubadan to Ajimobi: I’m not a politician

    Olubadan to Ajimobi: I’m not a politician

    THE Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, yesterday urged Governor Abiola Ajimobi not to paint him bad before the public.

    The monarch said his decision to oppose the review of the Olubadan chieftaincy system was not political.

    In a statement by the Director of Media and Public Affairs to the palace, Mr Adeola Oloko, the Olubadan said: “As a monarch, I’m a father of all, irrespective of sex, ethnic and ideological persuasions.

    “Since Friday, March 4, 2016, when I ascended the exalted throne of Olubadan, I have opened the gate of our palace wide to all manner of people. If you belong to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour, Accord and/or more, you are most welcome. So, politics has nothing to do with my resistance or opposition to the chieftaincy review spearheaded by the Oyo State government.”

    Oba Adetunji described as unfortunate the comment by the governor that recent utterances from the palace tended to be political.

    The monarch said if the governor had any demonstrable evidence of such, he should provide it.

    According to him, there is no statement issued by the Olubadan Media Office which did not enjoy his blessing before it was made public.

    He said: “While I am aware that people react to age differently, I am not old enough to be misinterpreted by anybody, even at 89. Governor Ajimobi stated that he invited us to the Governor’s Office over this matter and visited me in the palace later.

    “While this is true, I wish to respectfully state that the Boade Panel was inaugurated on May 19, 2017, His Excellency, Governor Ajimobi, invited me to the Governor’s Office on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, after the panel had sat for four weeks. At that meeting, His Excellency, the Oyo State governor, the High Chiefs and State House correspondents would recall my opposition to the chieftaincy review. My question is: ‘Did anybody put words in my mouth in that recorded tape?’

    “When he invited me to his office and visited me in the palace on Sunday, June 18, 2017, the Boade Panel was almost through with its job. When we met at the inner chamber, what the governor came to tell me was that he knew I should have been consulted first. So, it is not true that I was consulted, as claimed by him.

    “If I had been consulted, this error would have been avoided. The desecration of the crown would have been averted.”

    The Olubadan of Ibadan land, who congratulated all Ibadan people on keeping the peace, assured that these times would pass.

  • Ajimobi to Olubadan: Stay away from politics

    Ajimobi to Olubadan: Stay away from politics

    History was made yesterday in Ibadan where 21 monarchs were coronated – against the wish of Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Olubadan.

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi urged Oba Adetunji to stay away from politics and not allow himself to be used by those he classified as disgruntled elements.

    He said:  ”We also congratulate the Olubadan of Ibadanland and advise that Kaabiyesi should remain the father of all Ibadan citizens and not allow himself to be used by disgruntled elements as observed in his recent utterances, which tend towards the political. It should be noted that Obas are not expected to play politics.”

    The Olubadan was absent at the event following his opposition to the upgrade of 21 former Baales and 11 high chiefs who are members of the Olubadan-in-Council, to Obas’ status.

    Each of the 32 upgraded obas bear the “His Imperial Majesty” title.

    The governor, who explained that the elevation of the baales and chiefs would in no way affect the status of Oba Adetunji, said his administration was not altering or tinkering with the traditional succession and ascendancy system of the Olubadan chieftaincy structure.

    The new monarchs are those whose communities have history of near-independent origin but which are part of the larger Ibadan land.

    The governor said: “Each of the high chiefs will now be addressed as “His Royal Majesty” because they are now Obas, the former Baales will be addressed as “His Royal Highness”. All of them are under the Olubadan of Ibadanland.”

    “The review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959, according to Ajimobi, will further elevate the throne of the Olubadan and bring traditional governance closer to the people. The high chiefs will still move up the ladder as vacancies come up.

    “In practice, while the high chiefs still maintain their top positions as they operate as Obas, the most senior will be elevated from a second class oba to the position of the Olubadan once there is vacancy.

    In all, 21 new obas received their staffs of office at the Mapo Hall amidst fanfare.

    Former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja, who is the Osi Olubadan, who was among the 11 elevated high chiefs, was also absent. The 21 newly crowned Obas include eight high chiefs and 13 Baales.

    The new Royal Majesties who received their insignia and instruments of office are: Senator Lekan Balogun, who is also the Otun Olubadan; Akinloye Owolabi Olakuleyin, who is the Osi Balogun ; Tajudeen Ajibola, the Ashipa Olubadan; Oba Eddy Oyewole and the Ekerin Olubadan, Abiodun Kola-Daisi.

    Others are:  Oba Latifu Gbadamosi Adebimpe, the Asipa Balogun of Ibadanland, Amidu Ajibade, the Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, and Dr. Kolawole Adegbola, the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland.

    The new Royal Highnesses are:  Oba Lasisi Akano, the Onijaye of Ijaye; Ismaila Opeola, the Oniroko of Iroko; Moses Akinyosoye, the Onikereku of Ikereku; Mudasiru Adebayo, the Ololodo of Olodo; and Victor Sunday Okunola, the Elegbeda of Egbeda.

    Others are: Oba Gbolagade Babalola the Onido of Ido; Olabamiji Thomas, theAlakufo of Akufo; Wahab Okedina, the Oloke of Okelade-Okin; Dauda Omotoso, the Alawotan of Awotan and Adeboye Salako, the Olofa of Offa. Rafiu Alawusa the Onilagun of Lagun; Tiamiyu Ladipo, the Alaba of Aba-Nla and James Obisesan, the Alakanran of Akanran.

    The arrival of the Oluwo of Ibadanland introduced a new twist into the event as he led all the monarchs to an inner chamber where all the traditional rites were performed.

    The monarchs acknowledged cheers from a crowd of well-wishers as they returned to the venue after the rites.

    Ajimobi said he was not changing the history of the chieftaincy system but elevating it. He assured all that the coronation would neither undermine the authority of the Olubadan nor alter the Olubadan succession plan in any way.

    He added that the administration was rather consolidating and elevating the status of the Olubadan, who as a Commander-in-Chief should have lieutenants.

    The governor accused some individuals of manipulating the the Olubadan after he enjoyed the understanding of the monarch with a mutual agreement after series of meetings.

    Stressing that he has no grudge against any individual over the resistance to the move, Ajimobi noted that the Olubadan remained his father, stressing that nothing can ever separate them.

    He promised to visit the Olubadan again to reassure him of the implication of the ceremony on theOlubadan traditional system.

    The governor said the coronation and promotion of the obas enjoyed the support of the Ibadan Elders Forum, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Olubadan-in-Council, Mogajis, community leaders and many prominent indigenes of Ibadan, adding that all the new Obas as stakeholders also desire the elevation of the Olubadan chieftaincy title to be in line with modern realities.

    He challenged the obas to use their positions to develop the people and the state, urging them to distance themselves from partisan politics that can have negative effects on their position.

    The governor, who arrived at the venue at about 1:40pm in company of his wife, Florence to a rousing welcome from the jubilant crowd, went down memory lane to explain that the review of the chieftaincy matter was not new. He said he would only be remembered as the first governor to implement the recommendations of the panel of inquiry.

    Oba Balogun, in his vote of thanks on behalf of the new obas, maintained that nothing was changing in the Olubadan traditional succession but that the innovation would add more prestige to the status.

    He said: “What we are doing is catching up with the rest of Yorubaland. This has been done in all other states of the Southwest. If we are asking for Ibadan state, are we going to have only a king for the state?

    “If the Olubadan is going out now, he will not go out alone because all kings in Ibadan will now go with him as the Imperial Majesty.

    “The governor has done the city a good favour. We are not contesting anything with the monarch. He remains the father of all of us in Ibadan and history will not forget Ajimobi for what he has done. I still remain the Otun Olubadan, so nothing has changed. The only thing that has changed is fashion and nomenclature.

    “Instead of being an high chief, I became a king under the Olubadan. The crown is just a fashion to give respect to our position and prestige to the Olubadan, who is the head of all kings in Ibadanland.”

    At the event were: Deputy Governor Moses Adeyemo; Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Olalekan Ali; Chief of Staff to the Governor Gbade Ojo; Commissioner for Information, Culture & Tourism Toye Arulogun, his counterpart at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Bimbo Kolade and other top government functions.

    Others include: Speaker of the House of Assembly Micheal Adeyemo, who led other lawmakers;  Chief Adebayo Akande, Chief Lamidi Ajadi; Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN); former President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) Chief Bayo Oyero;  Chief Bayo Akande, Oloye K.O Latunji, Gbenga Arulogun, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State, Pastor Benjamin Akanmu;  the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola; the Mogaji of Ile Ajimobi, Wasiu Ajimobi and All Progressives Congress (APC) state chairman Chief Akin Oke, who was represented by the State Secretary, Mojeed Olaoya.

    Other dignitaries include a former military governor of Lagos and Ogun states, Gen. Raji Rasaki; Chief Lanre Oyelade and a member of the House of Representatives, Saheed Fijabi.

  • Olubadan distances self from mass coronation of 21 new Obas 

    Olubadan distances self from mass coronation of 21 new Obas 

    • Oyo scraps Seriki lineage

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has distanced himself from the mass coronation of 21 new Obas in Ibadan today.

    The historic coronation takes place at the Mapo Hall.

    The Oyo State Government presented letters of conferment to 21 of the 32 newly elevated Ibadan high chiefs and Baales last Friday following adoption of the recommendations of the panel that reviewed the 1959 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

    The panel was headed by retired Justice Akintunde Boade.

    As the new Obas rejoice and prepare to receive crowns as traditional rulers, the Olubadan said he had no hand in the event.

    In a statement by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Mr Adeola Oloko, yesterday, Adetunji said the coronation does not enjoy his blessing.

    His name is reportedly listed as the Father of the Day on the programme for the event.

    The statement reads: “I have said it for the umpteenth time that I am opposed to the chieftaincy review and its recommendations as the process for such exercise has not been followed.

    “Therefore, I cannot see how, as being advertised in some media houses, I could possibly play a fatherly role in an exercise that I have not endorsed.

    “Besides, as the father of Ibadan indigenes irrespective of political and ideological persuasion, I cannot attend an occasion where local government executives of one political party have been sending text messages to the party members in Ibadan land to mobilise for the event as if it is a political rally.

    “So, as the prescribed and appointing authority on Ibadan chieftaincy matters, I consider, until otherwise reversed, that any conferment of crowns on anybody is an exercise in futility.”

    The Olubadan added: “More so, it is going to be contemptuous for anybody to attend that programme as there are two suits that are yet to be determined before the court.

    “Also, where is the humanity of the organisers of this programme when Ibadan land is still mourning the passage of the Otun Balogun, High Chief Dr. Femi Olaifa, who was one of them until Thursday August 24?”

    Also, the Governor Abiola Ajimobi- led administration has scrapped the Seriki line in the Olubadan chieftaincy step.

    The development followed adoption of the recommendation of the Justice Akintunde Boade commission of Enquiry on the review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959.

    The Seriki line, headed by Chief Adebayo Oyediji, has been in a running legal battle with the Olubadan chieftaincy on which line was due to produce the next Olubadan currently occupied by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso 1.

    The elderly Ibadan chieftain had challenged the legality and propriety of the state government to appoint the reigning Olubadan from the Balogun line despite an existing law that pitch the Seriki line to produce the Olubadan.

    The scrapping of the Seriki line is contained in the document No. 14, Vol. 42, Oyo State Notice No. 27 dated 23rd August, 2017 and titled “Government White Paper by Technical Committee on the Report of Judicial Commission of Enquiry on the Review of the Existing Olubadan of Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration and other Related Chieftaincies in Ibadanland.”

    According to the gazette, only the Olubadan and Balogun lines should continue to provide candidate for filling of any vacancy in the Olubadan Chieftaincy.

    While agreeing with the recommendation, the technical committed however added a proviso that Olubadan  line should now be known as Otun Olubadan line.

    Members of the government committee which considered the report and recommendations of the Justice Boade Commission include the Governor’s Executive Assistant on Political Matters, Dr. Morohunkola Thomas, as the chairman; the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Dr. Gbade Ojo as member and the Coordinating Director (Cabinet and Security Services) with Mr. F.N. Oladeinde as the secretary.

    Other members are: the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Oluseun Abimbola; Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Toye Arulogun and Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Abimbola Kolade.

    Others include: Special Adviser on Community Relations, Abidemi Siyanbade; Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Yomi Layinka, and Special Adviser on Due Process, Mrs. Rose Oyedele.

    The issue of the Seriki which forms the third recommendation of the commission could be taken as a response to the second term of reference given the Judicial commission of enquiry which borders on “reviewing the selection process of Olubadan of Ibadanland from Otun and Balogun lines.”

    The gazette reads: “Commission’s Recommendation 3: it is recommended that further filling of vacancy in the Seriki line should be stopped forthwith and the line should be abolished. The commission agreed with the suggestion that only the Olubadan and Balogun lines should continue to provide candidate for filling of any vacancy in Olubadan chieftaincy.

    “Government accepts this recommendation with a proviso that Olubadan line should now be known as Otun Olubadan line.”

  • Olubadan denies endorsing High Chiefs coronation

    Olubadan denies endorsing High Chiefs coronation

    The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, says he has no hand whatsoever in the proposed coronation of High Chiefs slated for Sunday at Mapo Hall by Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State.

    Ajimobi had on Friday presented letters of conferment of Obaship titles to 30 out of the 32 obas recommended by the Justice Akintunde Boade (rtd) led Judicial Panel of Enquiry on the review of 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

    The Boade-led panel had on Aug. 18 submitted its report recommending 11 Olubadan High Chiefs and 21 Baales to wear beaded crown in Ibadan.

    Olubadan had kicked against the review, saying he was not in support of it.

    In a statement issued on Saturday by Mr Adeola Oloko, Director, Media and Public Affairs to Olubadan, Oba Adetunji said his name being bandied around in some quarters as the father of the day at the occasion does not enjoy his blessing.

    ” I have said it for the umpteenth time that I am opposed to the chieftaincy review and its recommendations as the process for such exercise has not been followed.

    “Therefore, as being advertised in some media houses, l cannot see how, I could possibly play a fatherly role in an exercise that I have not endorsed

    “Besides, as the father of Ibadan indigenes irrespective of political and ideological persuasion, I cannot attend an occasion where local government executives of one political party have been sending text messages to the party members in Ibadan land to mobilise for the event as if it is a political rally,” Adetunji said.

    The monarch said he considered any conferment of crowns on anybody as an exercise in futility until otherwise reversed.

    Adetunji said that it was going to be contemptuous for anybody to attend that programme as there are two suits that are yet to be determined before the court.

    “”Where is the humanity of the organisers of the programme when Ibadan land is still mourning the passage of the Otun Balogun, High Chief Femi Olaifa, who was one of them until Aug.24,” he said.(NAN)

  • Olubadan: I still oppose chieftaincy law

    Olubadan: I still oppose chieftaincy law

    The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has said his opposition to the attempt by the government to review the Olubadan chieftaincy laws remain unchanged.

    The monarch said the recommendation of 32 crowns for Ibadan by the Boade Commission set up by Oyo State was a joke too far.

    Reacting to an interview granted the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Bimbo Kolade, on a Splash FM programme, Oro Sunnukun, the ruler, who spoke through his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Adeola Oloko, insisted his opposition to the chieftaincy review remained same.

    According to him, the erroneous impression in that interview was that Kabiyesi had, at one time, opposed the chieftaincy review before he changed his mind to support it.

    Oba Adetunji said: “For the avoidance of doubt, there was never a time the Olubadan supported the review embarked upon by the Oyo State government. This was why the first-class monarch did not submit any memorandum nor make any representation to the panel. When, last week, the panel submitted its report to the governor, the public would vividly remember that the Olubadan was not in the picture, because he was not invited.

    “The young and old in Ibadan know that the Ibadan chieftaincy system is not a creation of the government. It is a creation of Ibadan people. No king, no governor, no elite, no high chief has the right to tamper with the system without recourse to our people.

    “How many town hall meetings has the state government convened before arriving at the conclusion that Ibadan deserves 32 crowns? To show ignorance of our tradition, the panel lumped up our highly respected high chiefs with baales, who are always nominated by the family mogaji.

    “Secondly, if the traditional institution wants a review, it is not the duty of government to spearhead the review. It is the duty of the Olubadan-in-council to sit down and look at what they want to review and register same to the state government for approval.

    “In Ile-Ife, which the commissioner mentioned in the interview, this is the tradition. The Osun State government did not spearhead the review. In Lagos and Ogun states, the case is similar.

    “Besides, there are two cases in court on this same issue, which the Oyo State government is not unaware of.

    “Thirdly, you do not have to be a member of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs to know the creation of royalties and crowns is a matter for discussion and deliberation. So, the question is: how long ago has the council met? Therefore, it is an exercise in futility to embark on the creation of new crowns and royalties without first resolving these issues.

    “Besides, how many emirs are in Kano city, if you are talking of size and population? How many Sultans are in Sokoto? And how many queens are in England? Kabiyesi will not be able to attend the meeting called by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters to discuss the issue slated for August 23 (today) because of a subsisting court order as Olubadan is a law-abiding citizen of Nigeria.”

  • Olubadan lauds NBL for preserving culture

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland Olubadan , His Royal Majesty, Oba Saliu Akanmu Olasupo Adetunji, has applauded the  Nigerian Breweries Plc for being a preserver of the Yoruba culture and tradition in the Southwest region.

    The monarch made this proclamation when the team from Nigerian Breweries Plc paid a courtesy visit to the Oba in his palace on Friday, July 21, 2017 as part of activities for the grand finale of Ariya Repete, Goldberg’s talent hunt competition for indigenous Yoruba music, holding in the city.

    “Looking at Nigerian Breweries’ commitment to the cultural values of the Yoruba people with the activities of Goldberg in the  Southwest, I am convinced that Goldberg is not just ours, but the cultural beer of repute that preserves and promotes indigenous Yoruba customs” the Oba affirmed.

    The Public Affairs  Manager, West/Mid-West,

    Nigerian Breweries Plc, Tayo Adelaja, expressed appreciation to the monarch for his proclamation and warm reception and revealed that Ibadan has always been a centre of cultural display and good music that must be respected.

  • Olubadan Declaration Review a political, says Oyo govt

    Olubadan Declaration Review a political, says Oyo govt

    The Oyo State government has said the massive attendance and responses by various stakeholders to the current Olubadan Declaration Review panel vindicated its action on the review of the chieftaincy law.

    It noted that 91 of the 118 memoranda received during the open sessions requested for additional beaded crowns while the remaining 27 called for a review of ascendancy into the Olubadan stool.

    The government restated its position that the proposed review was not targeted at any individual or group of people.

    It said it is meant for the development, modernisation as well as growth of the traditional council of Ibadan city, Ibadan land and other parts of the state.

    It said change is the only constant in life, adding that all parties would be convinced of the sincerity of government’s proposition.

    The state government said its action was within the ambit of the law of Olubadan Declaration of 1957.

    It assured the stakeholders and other residents that it would be just and fair in examining the recommendations of the Justice Boade’s panel and align with the wishes of Ibadan residents.

    In a statement yesterday in Ibadan, the state capital, Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism Mr. Toye Arulogun said the action of the government had precedence and was in tandem with the aspirations of the people.

    The statement reads: “It is high time we reiterated  our earlier position and put issues in proper  perspective. The action of the government is  backed by law; there are precedents. The governor  has the power to review the declaration and, most importantly, the government is fulfilling the  yearnings of the people.

    “We are not being political with this issue and not targeting any individual. The purpose is to elevate the status of the Olubadan title and pave the way for the development and modernisation of Ibadan chieftaincy and Ibadan towns and city. We are running an all-inclusive government and our government believes in collective responsibility in the Ajumose spirit.

    “Our decision to review the Olubadan Declaration of 1957 was a response to several calls by stakeholders and we will follow the principles of openness, fairness and justice.”

    Arologun said members of the Olubadan-in-Council, many high chiefs in Ibadan as well as stakeholders, including Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Ibadan Elders Forum, Ibadan Progressive Union, Association of Recognised Mogajis, the warlords’ families in Ibadan and eminent individuals attended the sitting of the panel for three weeks.

    The commissioner said the panel received 118 memoranda during its sitting.

    He added that the panel concluded its sitting on June 23 and requested for four weeks extension.

  • I never backed chieftaincy law review, says Olubadan

    I never backed chieftaincy law review, says Olubadan

    The Olubadan of Ibadan land in Oyo State, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, has said the review of the city’s chieftaincy law, which is calculated to create mushroom royalties and cheap crowns in Ibadan land, does not enjoy his backing.

    Apparently reacting to yesterday’s statement credited to the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Balogun, that the monarch was not forced to accept the chieftaincy review, the Olubadan said Balogun was not telling the truth about his position at the meeting recently held with Governor Abiola Ajimobi and other Ibadan high chiefs.

    The monarch noted that Balogun never supported the review of the chieftaincy laws.

    He said: “For the avoidance of doubt, I, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, the 41st Olubadan of Ibadan land, do not back the city’s chieftaincy review. And I want the present generation and posterity to record me as having nothing to do with it.

    “First, I can never support the review of the system that works. Secondly, I cannot support the review of the system that has produced me as Olubadan without rancour; doing so would be tantamount to an act of ingratitude to God Almighty and the people of Ibadan land.

    “Besides, what right does Otun have to speak for the Olubadan-in-Council when the Chairman of the council has not directed him to do so?”

    Oba Adetunji said all chiefs in Ibadan land subscribed to an oath to uphold the city’s customa and tradition before they were conferred with chieftaincy titles.

    Yielding to pressure to make changes is like going against your oath and circumventing the route to the exalted throne, he said.

    The Olubadan noted that there were neighbouring towns and communities whose monarchs joined their ancestors several years back but could not fill the stools  due to succession disputes and dynastic struggles.

    The monarch said he could not envisage Ibadan falling into such a trap, if the Olubadan succession was reversed.

    He added that the tape in which he was reported as saying that he backed the reform was doctored, as he still maintained that he never supported the move.

    The traditional ruler recalled that the question he is asked in the tape was whether he supported the expansion and development of Ibadan, to which he said: “Yes, as long as the governor also supported it.”

  • ‘Olubadan not forced to accept chieftaincy review’

    ‘Olubadan not forced to accept chieftaincy review’

    The Otun Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Balogun, has said the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, was not forced to accept the review of the city’s chieftaincy law.

    Balogun, who is next in line to the throne, also said some chiefs initially opposed the review, thinking Governor Abiola Ajimobi had a hidden agenda.

    The high chief addressed reporters during the celebration of Egungun Festival at his family home at Ali-Iwo in Ibadan, the state capital.

    He said: “Initially, we in Olubadan-in-Council thought the governor had an ulterior motive. But we later understood that he meant well. He didn’t force anybody to accept the review.”

    Balogun described the festival as a cherished culture in Ibadan.

    Top members of the council attended the celebration, which entered its third day yesterday.

  • Olubadan cautions against violence during Egungun festival

    As the yearly Egungun Festival begins today in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, has called for peaceful conduct among masquerades and their followers during the three-week long festival.

    The monarch said the annual festival is a celebration of Ibadan custom and tradition, warneding that it should not be turned into an avenue for unleashing terror and violence on the people.

    Oba Adetunji said law enforcement agents had assured the residents of their readiness to maintain law and order by arresting and prosecuting those who cause mayhem during the festival.

    He said: “As a monarch, my appeal to our people is to celebrate the festival within the ambit of the law. Also, I will like to persuade our people to avoid the use of weapons, such as guns, daggers, machetes and broken bottles, not only during the Egungun Festival but also after it. The long arm of the law would not spare any merchant of violence.”

    Last year, 18 vehicles were destroyed at Akuro and Igbonna in Ibadan when some masqueraders engaged street urchins in a free-for-all, leaving the residents to tell tales of woes.