The Olubadan Palace has announced the commencement of the 2026 Oloolu Masquerade Festival, beginning on Monday, July 27, with the traditional eve celebration, ‘Aisun Odun’ Oloolu.
The announcement, contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Ayoade Olugbemiga, explained the festival will run for four days and end on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
According to the itinerary released by Mogaji Ile Aje, Ode-Aje Oloolu Compound, Chief Kazeem Abija, Oloolu will on Monday visit the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa 1) at the his Palace in Oke-Aremo, to offer prayers for the monarch, council members, indigenes and residents of Ibadanland.
The masquerade is also scheduled to visit the residence of the Otun Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole, at his Foko palace.
On Tuesday, July 28, Oloolu will be visiting the executive Governor of Oyo state, Engr. Seyi Makinde at the Government House, Agodi, before proceeding to Aliiwo, Yemetu, Oje Market, Isale-Afa, Oke-Aremo, Popo-Yemoja, Bode Market, Molete, Isale-Ijebu, Elekuro, Kobomoje and Oranyan areas of the ancient city.
The masquerade will visit Ojagbo, Alafara Olubadan, Ita-Bale, Ogboriefon, Labo and Kobomoje on Wednesday, July 29, while the grand finale on Thursday, July 30, will take Oloolu to Ile-Aperin, Agugu, Iyana Idi-Iroko, Awotunde Jegede, Itamerin-Gangansi and Babanla.
While congratulating the people of Ibadanland for witnessing the festival, Oba Ladoja called for “absolute peace” throughout the period, warning that it is sacrilege for women to see Oloolu, and stressed that taking photographs or videos of the masquerade is prohibited.
He also cautioned Oloolu leaders, other Egungun groups, religious adherents and the public against any act capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.
The Olubadan urged law enforcement agencies to ensure adequate security of people’s lives and property during the festival.
The Oloolu festival marks the grand finale of the Ibadan Egungun Festival, which began on Sunday, June 21, 2026, as part of traditional activities aimed at offering prayers for the security, peace, unity, progress and development of Ibadanland.
InsideOyo
