Masquerade, followers defy Olubadan’s order, allegedly kill 24-year-old man 

Men of Oyo State Police Command have arrested a masquerade over alleged killing of a 24-year-old man in Ibadan. 

The command made this declaration via a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, made available to DAILY POST Monday morning. 

Ayanlade said that the deceased, Mr Sefiu Kehinde, was allegedly murdered by the masquerade and his followers. 

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The incident according to the command occurred at Labiran area on Sunday. 

Ayanlade added that the masquerade and his followers who are still at large attacked the deceased with various weapons. 

He said that the victim died as a result of the injuries sustained. 

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”. 

DAILY POST gathered that the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja had earlier warned masquerades and their followers against involvement in any form of violence. 

Olubadan in the statement added that the festival is neither an avenue to settle old scores, engage in supremacy contest or retaliatory attacks between masquerades and their opponents.

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