Oyo Govt Announces Scheduled Movement Of Oloolu Masquerade In Ibadan

Oyo Govt Announces Scheduled Movement Of Oloolu Masquerade In Ibadan

The Oyo State Government has announced the scheduled movement of Ibadan-based popular Oloolu Masquerade across selected areas in Ibadan, from Monday, July 28 to Thursday, July 31, 2025. In a statement issued and made available to the Media by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, explained that the popular Oloolu, one of the most significant Egungun (Masquerades) in Ibadan, is deeply rooted in the City’s Cultural History. He explained that popular Oloolu is traditionally forbidden to be seen by women, except for women born as triplets,who are believed to receive special blessings from the Masquerade. The Commissioner maintained that unlike other masquerades, Oloolu does not follow a fixed route, as its movement is guided spiritually, adding that some of the notable areas expected to be visited during the procession include Aafin Olubadan, Beere, Oje, Idi Arere, Gate, Agbeni, Orita Merin, Oja-Oba, Ayeye, Oranyan, Oke Aremo, Agugu, and Ore Meji, among others. The Government appealed to residents of Ibadan, especially women, to remain mindful of the cultural significance of this festival and to cooperate with local authorities and community leaders during the movement of the masquerade. He appreciated the continued support and understanding of the general public as we celebrate this important aspect of Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage.

Anti-Open Grazing: Oyo Govt Nabs Herdsman, Cattle In Ibadan•••To Pay 1.7m Fine

  The Oyo State Government on Thursday through the Taskforce Team of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) on Thursday apprehended a number of cows grazing along the fence of the Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. The cows which were nine in number, grazing openly by the motorcycle park otherwise known as ‘Okada’ park beside the Secretariat gate, were closely monitored and captured thereafter. The OYRLEA taskforce noting the violation as environmentally and agriculturally related immediately called the attention of the Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture and an official report was made to the State’s Parliament Police Division, Secretariat Agodi in the Secretariat. Additional personnel were deployed and the cows were taken to the Ministry of Agriculture. Speaking on the offence as tantamount to the extant laws on anti-open grazing of 2019, as established by the State, the Chairperson, Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi ordered for the prosecution of the offender without further delay. Sitting at the Tribunal on the charge number OYRLEA/19/12/2024 which is held at the Ministry of Environment the same day, N.Y. Aderibigbe, the prosecuting counsel levied a four count charge on the offender, drawn from the anti-open grazing law of Oyo State, 2019. The offender, Nurudeen Semiu on arraignment acceded to the first two of the charges and pleaded not guilty on others. At the end of the trial, the presiding officer, Barrister Kunle Abimbola pronounced judgement as it relates to open rearing count charges and the option of N1,700,000 fine or five years imprisonment was admitted on the offender. The OYRLEA taskforce noting the violation as environmentally and agriculturally related immediately called the attention of the Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture and an official report was made to the State’s Parliament Police Division, Secretariat Agodi in the Secretariat. Additional personnel were deployed and the cows were taken to the Ministry of Agriculture. Speaking on the offence as tantamount to the extant laws on anti-open grazing of 2019, as established by the State, the Chairperson, Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi ordered for the prosecution of the offender without further delay. Sitting at the Tribunal on the charge number OYRLEA/19/12/2024 which is held at the Ministry of Environment the same day, N.Y. Aderibigbe, the prosecuting counsel levied a four count charge on the offender, drawn from the anti-open grazing law of Oyo State, 2019. The offender, Nurudeen Semiu on arraignment acceded to the first two of the charges and pleaded not guilty on others. At the end of the trial, the presiding officer, Barrister Kunle Abimbola pronounced judgement as it relates to open rearing count charges and the option of N1,700,000 fine or five years imprisonment was admitted on the offender.