Razaq Bamidele
As this year’s egungun festival gets underway this week, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1, has directed all masquerades-irrespective of grades to observe their rituals from their respective homes and pray for the speedy end to virus.
Oba Adetunji gave this instruction in a release signed by his Personal Assistant and Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Adeola Oloko in Ibadan over the weekend.
According to the first class monarch, the decision not to have long procession this year is not unconnected with the new coronavirus pandemic and the need to observe rules associated with social distancing.
The first class monarch stated that the boisterous nature of the festival has made it imperative for all masquerades to stay at home and perform all necessary rites until the authorities state otherwise.
According to Oba Adetunji, the decision was reached after extensive consultation with the relevant authorities and stakeholders just as he advised all the people to wash their hands, use face mask and maintain social distancing at all times to curb the spread of the plague.