Olubadan Under Fire as Cleric Slams Oloolu Masquerade Festival Restrictions, Sparking Culture vs Religion Debate in Ibadan

The annual Oloolu Masquerade Festival in Ibadan has ignited a heated debate after a Muslim cleric criticised the traditional event, accusing it of disrupting the lives of residents and endangering women and children.

The controversy erupted after the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, approved this year’s Oloolu Festival, scheduled to hold from July 27 to July 30, with the revered masquerade expected to parade through several historic locations, including the Olubadan’s Palace, Government House in Agodi and other designated parts of the city.

In a statement issued by the Olubadan’s Palace, residents were reminded of longstanding customs associated with the sacred Egungun festival. Women were advised to avoid areas where the Oloolu masquerade would appear, particularly traditional routes such as Popo Yemoja, while members of the public were warned against taking photographs or recording videos of the masquerade to preserve its spiritual sanctity.

The palace also appealed to masquerade worshippers, residents and visitors to celebrate peacefully, urging security agencies to maintain law and order throughout the four-day festival.

However, the restrictions have drawn criticism from a Muslim cleric, whose comments circulated widely on social media.

The cleric argued that asking women to remain indoors or avoid certain areas posed unnecessary risks to women and children and disrupted the daily activities of Muslim residents. He questioned whether cultural traditions should override the rights and freedoms of citizens in a modern society.

His remarks quickly divided opinion online.

Many Ibadan indigenes and Yoruba cultural advocates defended the Oloolu Festival as one of the city’s oldest and most respected traditions, arguing that the restrictions have existed for generations and are observed only during the festival period.

Several commentators accused the cleric of applying double standards, noting that roads are sometimes temporarily occupied during large Friday (Jumu’ah) prayers and other religious gatherings without attracting similar criticism. Those views, however, represent opinions expressed on social media and have not been endorsed by any official religious body.

The Oloolu Festival is regarded as the grand finale of the annual Egungun celebrations in Ibadan. Beyond its cultural significance, the festival is traditionally dedicated to prayers for peace, security, prosperity and unity across Ibadanland.

In recent days, Oba Ladoja has repeatedly warned masquerade followers against violence or actions capable of causing unrest, stressing that the celebration should reflect the values of peace, respect and communal harmony.

The latest controversy highlights the delicate balance between preserving centuries-old cultural heritage and accommodating the religious diversity of one of Nigeria’s largest cities.

While supporters insist that the festival remains an essential part of Ibadan’s identity, critics continue to question whether some of its traditional restrictions are compatible with modern constitutional freedoms.

As the Oloolu Masquerade Festival gets underway, authorities are expected to closely monitor the celebrations to ensure they remain peaceful amid the growing public debate.