Women have been advised to stay indoors during the annual Oloolu masquerade procession as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, warned residents against taking photos or videos of the revered masquerade.

The monarch, a former governor of Oyo State, said tradition forbids women from seeing the Oloolu masquerade and urged residents to comply with all customs and regulations guiding the festival.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Olubadan’s Chief Press Secretary, Chief Solomon Ayoade.

The Olubadan announced that this year’s Oloolu festival will begin on Monday, describing the masquerade as one of the most significant traditional festivals in Ibadanland.

He reiterated that residents must not take photographs, film or record the Oloolu masquerade, while stressing that women should remain indoors during the procession in line with the customs of Ibadanland.

The traditional ruler also urged security agencies to ensure the festival is conducted peacefully and prevent any breakdown of law and order.

According to the statement, “His Imperial Majesty warned women not to see Oloolu as it is a taboo according to the tradition of Ibadanland. Photographs and videos of the masquerade should not be taken.

“Kabiyesi also warned the Oloolu Masquerade, other Egungun leaders and their followers, adherents of other religions, as well as members of the public, to give peace a chance and desist from any activity that could cause a crisis or lead to a breakdown of law and order during the festival.”