Prominent traditional ruler, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, on Sunday, suspended the ongoing Egungun festival in the metropolis.
Daily Trust reported that the monarch directed the suspension of the traditional rites after several reported cases of violence, arson and looting of shops by suspected thugs in the city.
It was learned that the traditional had called all the leaders of masquerades known as Alaagbaa in Ibadanland for an emergency meeting to discuss causes and solutions to the lingering violent incidents surrounding the celebration of the Egungun festival.
Oba Balogun expressed regret over reports of violence and brigandage associated with the annual event.
He called the situation an insult to his Palace because he had previously cautioned against the celebration being used to sow damage.
The monarch condemned similar violence on Wednesday during the same festival reported at Alafara Olubadan.
He said, “I warned seriously against what is happening when the festival was to commence and the assurances I got then were that nothing untoward would accompany the festival. But, the reports coming to me have been at variance with those assurances I earlier got from the masquerades’ leaders.
“No responsible leader would fold his arms or put on the cap of I care less when majority of those subjects one superintendent over are in agony and living in perpetual fear just because of the activities of a few misguided elements who find it difficult to be law abiding. This is why the suspension clause has to be invoked and how long it lasts would be determined by the outcome of the meeting of Monday afternoon.
“I use this medium to call on the security agencies to remain up and doing and ensure no culprit is spared. Whoever flouts the suspension order just given under whatever guise must be handled like a criminal. I’m for peace and there’s zero tolerance for whatever it is that will not give my people peace of mind.”
