Ibadan, Nigeria – In a strongly worded statement, Mogaji Abas Oloko, a prominent traditional leader in Ibadan, has vehemently condemned the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi Telu 1, for his unwarranted and disparaging remarks against the revered Oloolu masquerade. The Oluwo’s viral video, which described the ancient masquerade as “criminal” and “unconstitutional,” has sparked widespread outrage among Ibadan indigenes.
Mogaji Abas Oloko expressed profound disappointment at the Oluwo’s utterances, questioning the monarch’s understanding of the cultural significance of masquerades in Yoruba land, particularly in Ibadan. “We are always disappointed anytime a king like Oluwo speaks against the tradition and culture that gives him room to become king in Iwoland,” Mogaji Abas Oloko stated. “He should go and do his findings; which of his predecessors ever spoke against Tradition, Culture, Ibadanland, and a revered masquerade like Oloolu?”
The traditional leader emphasized that Oloolu is not just a masquerade but an institution that has been part of Ibadan’s heritage for centuries. “It’s a symbol of our strength, unity, and cultural identity,” Mogaji Abas Oloko emphasized. “Oluwo’s comments are not only an affront to Ibadan’s tradition but also a demonstration of his ignorance of the cultural significance of masquerades in our land.”
Mogaji Abas Oloko’s statement is a testament to the growing frustration among Ibadan indigenes over Oluwo’s comments. Several mogajis and baale in Ibadanland had previously warned Oluwo against making disparaging remarks about Ibadan’s culture and tradition.
The Oluwo’s remarks have sparked a heated debate about cultural sensitivity and respect for traditional institutions. Oloko called for Oluwo to apologize for his comments and respect the traditions of other communities. Mogaji Abas Oloko’s condemnation of Oluwo’s remarks underscores the importance of promoting unity and understanding among communities.
In his statement, Mogaji Abas Oloko advised Oluwo to focus on promoting peace and unity in his domain rather than disparaging other cultures. “Instead of attacking our traditions, Oluwo should focus on how to improve the lives of his subjects and promote peace in Iwoland,” he said. “We will not sit idly by while our culture and tradition are being trampled upon by individuals who do not understand their significance.”
Mogaji Abas Oloko further questioned the Oluwo’s religious affiliations, saying, “When Oluwo wanted to become king, was it the Quran or Bible he used to swear before he was crowned as king? Was his coronation held in a mosque or church?” He emphasized that any Yoruba king knows how to support traditions and culture of Yorubaland, citing the Agemo festival in Ijebu and Oro festival in Oyo as examples.
Mogaji Abas Oloko called on the four ruling houses in Iwo land – Adegunodo, Gbaase, Alausa, and Ogunmakinde – to call the Oluwo to order.
The incident highlights the need for dialogue and cultural exchange between different communities to promote mutual understanding and respect. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the people of Ibadan will not take kindly to any attempts to undermine their cultural heritage. Mogaji Abas Oloko’s statement serves as a warning to Oluwo and other traditional leaders to be mindful of their words and actions.
Mogaji Abas Oloko emphasized that Ibadanland is not a place where Oluwo can attack anyhow. “We have responsible, respected, intelligent, and sane people in Iwo like High Chief Abiola Ogundokun, Dr. Liadi Tella, who should call Oluwo into order,” he said. “Among those who have been crowned as king in Iwo, people like this present Oluwo who is attacking Ibadanland are not among them.” Mogaji Abas Oloko called on the people of Iwo to call Oluwo to order, urging them to hold their monarch accountable for his actions.
The people of Ibadan are standing firm in defense of their culture and tradition. One thing is certain, however: Oloolu masquerade will continue to be an integral part of Ibadan’s heritage, and its significance will not be diminished by the unwarranted comments of individuals like Oluwo. Mogaji Oloko concluded.
