The directive by the Olubadan Of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji to masqueraders against visiting any Ibadan high chiefs has received a major boost as the leader of the masqueraders- Aare Alagbaa of Ibadanland, Chief Ojetunde Asoleke, has said that they will obey the monarch.
The monarch, www.oyoinsight.com recalled, had barred masquerades from visiting any of the high chiefs whose elevation to kingship status generated controversies and court actions.
Speaking during the visits of the masqueraders to the monarch palace, Asoleke said they would abide by whatever the king directed.
He said, “Whatever the Olubadan said is what we are solidly behind. Olubadan gave us the order that we should not go to any of the High Chiefs to dance and we are not going there because Olubadan is the head of all traditional worshippers in Ibadanland, be it Egungun, Sango, Oya, Obatala, Osun or whatever. And being the head, he has the right to tell us what is proper to do, and whoever that does otherwise will be punished by the Olubadan himself.”
In a message through his Personal Assistant and Director, Media and Public Affairs, Adeola Oloko to the visiting masqueraders, the Olubadan enjoined them to observe a peaceful festival devoid of violence.
He said, “It is God in His infinite mercy that has preserved all of us to witness this year’s festival. The festival is to celebrate the best of our cultures and traditions. Therefore the Kabiyesi is telling everyone in Ibadan to celebrate in peace. There should be no use of dangerous weapons as law enforcement agents are not going to take kindly to it, and Kabiyesi is not going to come between the law enforcement agents and the thugs if anyone is arrested. Therefore, we should celebrate in peace and joy.”
