Festival Turns Deadly After Alleged Defiance of Olubadan’s Directive

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Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have taken a masquerade into custody over the alleged killing of a 24-year-old man in Ibadan.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, and made available to ZINGTIE.

According to Ayanlade, the victim, identified as Mr. Sefiu Kehinde, was allegedly attacked by the masquerade alongside some of his followers.

The incident was reported to have taken place on Sunday in the Labiran area of Ibadan.

The police spokesperson disclosed that the deceased was assaulted with different weapons by the masquerade and his accomplices, who are currently on the run.

He explained that the victim later died from injuries sustained during the attack.

He said, “The Oyo State Police Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the gruesome murder of one Sefiu Kehinde, a 24-year-old male, who was allegedly attacked by a masquerade in the Labiran area of Ibadan.

“The incident was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday, 5th July 2026 by one Mrs. Aderemi. 

“She reported that earlier the same day, at about 4:00 p.m., she received a distress call from her elder sister, informing her that a masquerade, identified as the Asoleke and its followers, while parading through Labiran area of Ibadan, allegedly attacked her younger brother, Sefiu Kehinde, with axes and cutlasses, inflicting severe injuries on various parts of his body.

“Upon receipt of the report, a team of Police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer, Mapo Division, swiftly mobilised to the scene. The victim was immediately evacuated to the Hospital for urgent medical attention, where he was unfortunately confirmed dead on arrival by the medical doctor on duty.

“Meanwhile, the masquerade, Asoleke, has been arrested, while four of his followers alleged to have committed the crime are still at large.”

ZINGTIE gathered that before the incident, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, had cautioned masquerades and their followers against engaging in any form of violence during the festivities.

The monarch also emphasized that the festival should not be used as an opportunity to settle personal disputes, engage in supremacy battles, or carry out retaliatory attacks between masquerades and their perceived rivals.

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