The appeal was contained in a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, shortly after masquerade leaders and their followers paid a courtesy visit to the monarch at his Oke Aremo palace in Ibadan.
Oba Ladoja, who was represented by the Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade, expressed delight at receiving the delegation ahead of the annual cultural celebration.
“I am happy to receive you personally in preparation for the celebration of the 2026 annual Egungun Festival. I also urge you to pray for me, members of the Olubadan-in-Council, and all sons and daughters of Ibadanland,” he said.
The monarch, who described himself as the father of all religions, cautioned participants against acts capable of disrupting public peace during the festivities.
“As the father of all religions, I enjoin you to conduct your annual Egungun Festival in a peaceful manner, devoid of harassment, intimidation and crisis,” he warned.
Earlier, the head of the masquerades (Olori Alagbaa), Chief Ojeniyi Akintunde Okugbaja, said the visit was to formally inform the Olubadan of the dates for the 2026 festival and to seek royal blessings.
He disclosed that the 2026 Egungun Festival would commence on Sunday, June 21, 2026, while masquerades would pay homage to the Olubadan and members of the Olubadan-in-Council on Monday, June 22, 2026, at the palace.
Among dignitaries present at the reception were the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola; Otun Balogun, Oba Kolawole Adegbola; Ashipa Olubadan, Oba Salawudeen Ajibade; Abese Olubadan, Oloye Lekan Alabi; and other traditional title holders and chiefs.
