The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun, CFR, Alli Okunmade II, on Sunday, suspended the ongoing Egungun festival in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital over some reported cases of violence, arson and looting of shops by hoodlums.
The monarch expressed sadness over the reported cases of violence accompanying the annual festival.
He described the development as an affront to his palace because he vehemently warned against the festival being turned into an avenue to cause havoc.
Oba Balogun 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 the majority of those subjects one superintends 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.”
He disclosed that he has summoned all the masquerades’ leaders known as Alaagbaa in Ibadanland to an emergency meeting.
“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,” the monarch said.
He also urged security agencies to ensure compliance with the suspension order and ensure that no one who flouts the order is spared.
“I use this medium to call on the security agencies to remain up and doing and ensure no culprit is spared,” Oba Balogun said.
“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.”
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