Avoid Areas To Be Visited By Oloolu Masquerade, Oyo Govt, Olubadan Palace Tells Women

*Says it is a taboo for women to see Oloolu Masquerade

By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan

Oyo State Government on Monday, charged residents of Ibadan, especially women to cooperate with local authorities and community leaders during the movement of Oloolu masquerade between Monday and Thursday this week.

Also, the Palace of Olubadan has equally advised women in Ibadan to avoid all the areas to be visited by the Oloolu Masquerade

Oyo State Government in a statement by the state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun urged residents of Ibadan to remain mindful of the cultural significance of the Oloolu Festival, adding that the popular Oloolu, one of the most significant Egungun (Masquerades) in Ibadan, is deeply rooted in the City’s Cultural History

The Commissioner stressed that unlike ” other masquerades, Oloolu does not follow a fixed route, as its movement is guided spiritually” and that some of the notable areas expected to be visited during the procession include Aafin Olubadan, Beere, Oje, Idi Arere, Gate, Agbeni, Orita Merin, Oja-Oba, Ayeye, Oranyan, Oke Aremo, Agugu, and Ore Meji, among others.

Dr Olatubosun said, ” Oloolu is traditionally forbidden to be seen by women, except for women born as triplets, who are believed to receive special blessings from the Masquerade”.

He then hailed the continued support and understanding of the general public on the celebration of ” this important aspect of Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage”.

The Olubadan palace in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga advised women in Ibadan in particular to avoid all the areas to be visited by the Oloolu Masquerade

” It is a taboo for women to see Oloolu Masquerade, consequently, women are thoroughly advised to avoid the Masquerade at all cost and not cross his paths in their own interest”, it said.

The statement added, ” The law enforcement agents are called upon to be alive to their responsibility of safety of life, property and reduction of crimes that used to characterize Oloolu Masquerade Festival”

” As part of on -going Egungun Festival in Ibadanland,the most popular Egungun ( Oloolu) Festival will start on Monday 28th and end on Thursday 31st July, 2025″

It stressed “Oloolu Masquerade will visit Government House, Agodi, Olubadan palace at Oke Aremo , pay a royal visit to Olubadan designate Oba (Senator) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja and visit some notable areas in Ibadan municipality”.