Residents of Ibadan, Oyo State, are preparing for the annual Oloolu Masquerade festival following the release of the official movement schedule for the revered cultural procession across different parts of the ancient city.
The Oloolu Masquerade is regarded as one of the most respected traditional symbols in Ibadanland and forms an important part of the city’s annual Egungun festival. Every year, the procession attracts large crowds of residents, visitors, and cultural enthusiasts who gather to witness the colourful display of Yoruba heritage.
According to the approved itinerary, the activities will begin with ceremonial visits to important traditional institutions before the masquerade moves through several communities over the course of the celebration.
The first day’s programme includes a visit to the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at Oke-Aremo, followed by a stop at the residence of the Otun Olubadan in the Foko area.
The following day, the masquerade is scheduled to visit the Oyo State Government House in Agodi, where it is expected to pay a traditional courtesy visit to Governor Seyi Makinde.
Other communities listed on the movement schedule include Aliiwo, Yemetu, Oje Market, Isale-Afa, Oke-Aremo, Popo-Yemoja, Bode Market, Molete, Isale-Ijebu, Elekuro, Kobomoje and Oranmiyan.
The procession will also pass through Ojagbo, Alafara Olubadan, Ita-Baale, Ogboriefon and Labo before concluding its journey with visits to Ile-Aperin, Agugu, Iyana Idi-Iroko, Awotunde Jegede, Itamerin-Gangansi and Babanla.
Ahead of the festival, the Olubadan of Ibadanland called on residents and participants to ensure the celebration remains peaceful and orderly. The monarch urged everyone to respect the customs and traditions associated with the annual event while cooperating with security personnel and organisers.
The palace also reminded members of the public about the long-standing traditional restrictions observed during the Oloolu Masquerade procession, including cultural guidelines that have been preserved over generations.
Security agencies are expected to maintain a visible presence throughout the festival to ensure public safety and smooth movement in areas where the masquerade will pass. Residents have also been encouraged to cooperate with officials and avoid actions that could disrupt the celebration.
For many indigenes, the Oloolu Masquerade festival is more than a cultural event. It is a symbol of Ibadan’s rich history, ancestral heritage and enduring traditional values. The annual outing continues to preserve centuries-old customs while bringing communities together in celebration of the city’s unique identity.
As preparations gather momentum, residents and visitors are expected to turn out in large numbers to witness one of Ibadan’s most celebrated traditional festivals while observing the customs and guidelines that accompany the revered procession.