His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja ( Arusa1), has appealed to Egungun Masquerades in Ibadanland to ensure peace throughout the 2026 Annual Egungun Festival.
The appeal was contained in the press release issued and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Ayoade Olugbemiga, shortly after the visit of the masquerade leaders and their followers to Oba Ladoja at his Oke Aremo palace, Ibadan, on Sunday.
While receiving the masquerades through the Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade, Oba Ladoja expressed his happiness to receive the masquerades at his palace, saying, “I am happy to receive you personally in preparation for the celebration of the 2026 annual Egungun Festival.
“You should pray for the Olubadan, members of Olubadan-In-Council, as well as sons, daughters and residents of Ibadanland”.
“As the father of all religions, the Olubadan enjoins you to go about your annual Egungun Festival in a peaceful manner devoid of harassment, intimidation and crisis”
In his remarks, the Head of the masquerades ( Olori Alagbaa), Chief Ojeniyi Akintunde Okugbaja, expressed his gratitude to Olubadan for the warm reception accorded him and his followers.
Chief Okugbaja said that they paid the Olubadan a visit to inform him about the date for the Ibadan masquerade 2026 annual festival celebration.
He further said that the 2026 annual Egungun Festival would start on Sunday, 21st June, 2026, while all the Egungun masquerades would visit His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, members of Olubadan-in-Council and traditional title holders on Monday, 22nd June, 2026, at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
Joining His Imperial Majesty to receive the Ibadan masquerades and their leaders were the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Barr. ) Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola, the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr) Kolawole Adegbola, the Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade, and the Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oloye Lekan Alabi.
Other dignitaries present were: Oota Balogun of Ibadanland, Oloye Kayode Afolabi; Agbakin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oloye Agba Emiola Rafiu Onideure; and Mogaji Koso, Chief Oladipo Taofeek.
