The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has warned residents of the ancient city against taking pictures, filming or recording Oloolu masquerade as he commenced its annual outing from Monday, 27th.
The monarch who was a former governor of Oyo State also warned women against trying to spy the masquerade or attempt to see it, saying that women are not allowed to see the masquerade.
The traditional ruler gave the directives in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Solomon Ayoade, on Friday.
Oloolu is acclaimed to be the biggest masquerade in the history of the ancient city and is dreaded by people of the city because of its awesome spiritual power.
The Olubadan in the statement, announced that the annual Oloolu festival will begin on Monday, 27th, and it will visit the governor Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan Palace, as well as, several ancestral homes and compounds within the days of the celebration.
Olubadan who disclosed that the Ibadan custom demands that women are not allowed to see the masquerade, advised residents to abide by the rules and regulations guiding the procession. He also enjoined security agencies to prevent breakdown of law and order during the procession.
The statement read: “His Imperial Majesty warned women not to see Oloolu as it is a taboo according to the tradition of Ibadanland to do so. The photograph and video of the masquerade should not be taken”.
Kabiyesi warned Oloolu Masquerade, “other Egungun leaders and their followers, other religious adherents, as well as, the members of the public to give peace a chance and desist from any activity that can cause crisis or break down of law and order during the festival activities”.
