Festival: Ibadan stakeholders knock Oluwo over comments on Oloolu masquerade

Traditional leaders and stakeholders in Ibadanland have issued a stern warning to the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, following his recent remarks against the revered Oloolu masquerade, a major cultural symbol in the city.

In a viral video, the Oluwo described the movement of the Oloolu masquerade in parts of Ibadan as “criminal and unconstitutional,” arguing that any masquerade that prevents women from passing should be banned or sent to the forest.

His comments have since drawn sharp criticism from key cultural figures in Ibadan, who described them as offensive and disrespectful to the city’s traditions. They questioned why a monarch from outside Oyo State would meddle in Ibadan’s long-established customs.

In a statement jointly signed by Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, President of Ibadan Mogajis, and Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, Coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative, the group called on the Oluwo to withdraw his statement and desist from making derogatory remarks about Ibadan culture.

“If the Oluwo does not appreciate or understand the value of our culture, he should not extend his criticisms beyond Iwoland. It is unacceptable for him to insult a tradition that holds deep historical and spiritual importance in Ibadan,” the statement read.

They further called on the Osun State Government, particularly Governor Ademola Adeleke, to caution the monarch, stressing that such utterances could create unnecessary tension between Yoruba communities and damage long-standing relationships.

According to the stakeholders, the Oluwo’s statement was not only a slight on the Oloolu masquerade but also an affront to the Olubadan, the entire Ibadan traditional institution, and the people of Ibadanland. They described the monarch’s actions as provocative and urged Yoruba elders to intervene.

The group demanded a formal retraction from the Oluwo within a few days, warning that failure to do so may lead to a more decisive response. “Ibadan people will not stand by while our culture and revered symbols are insulted,” they said.