In what was termed solidarity for Ibadan high chiefs, Oyo State commissioner for information, culture and tourism, Mr Toye Arulogun, was in attendance when Atipako and some other masquerades disobeys the Olubadan Of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
The monarch, www.oyoinsight.com recalled, had barred masquerades from dancing in the compounds of the controversial Ibadan high chiefs.
The masquerades yesterday performed at the Aliiwo family compound of Oba Lekan Balogun where other members of Olubadan-in-council who now calls themselves Obas-in-Council gathered.
Among those who attended the event include Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, Otun Balogun, Oba Eddy Oyewole, Ashipa Olubadan, Oba Amidu Ajibade, Ekaarun Olubadan, Oba Kolawole Adegbola, Ekeerin Balogun, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, and Balogun of Ibadanland and scores of Mogajis.
Vanguard newspaper reported that the state government was represented by Arulogun
Contrary to previous masquerade outings when the ceremony would begin by 11am, Vangaurd reported that this year’s activities took off rather late due to late arrival of masquerades.
When the masquerades eventually appeared around 2:34pm, the mammoth crowd in attendance went into wild jubilation.
The climax of the programme came up when a prominent masquerade, Atipako performed rituals by beheading a dog.
This was said to have taken place before the arrival of other masquerades. Shortly after the masquerades had danced before Oba Balogun and other kings and community leaders (Baale), heavy downpour started which punctuated the ceremony.
As heavy as the rain was, the kings and Mogajis did not leave their seats under the canopies.
