Juliet Oladele, Reporting
IBADAN — The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a traditional masquerade, known locally as Asoleke, in connection with the brutal killing of a 24-year-old man during a ceremonial procession in the Labiran area of the city.
The victim, identified as Sefiu Kehinde, is understood to have been set upon with dangerous weapons by the masquerade and a group of its attendants on Sunday evening. The attack, which unfolded in full view of shocked residents, has ignited widespread outrage across the neighbourhood, with many calling for urgent reforms to the conduct of traditional festivals.
According to preliminary accounts, the young man was fatally struck as the procession wound through the densely populated community. Witnesses alleged that the masquerade’s followers acted with excessive force, though the precise circumstances that led to the assault remain under investigation.
In an official statement released on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed that the case was formally reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters by a woman identified as Mrs. Aderemi. He assured the public that detectives had moved swiftly to take the suspect into custody.
“The command views this incident with the utmost gravity. The arrested masquerade is currently assisting with inquiries, and a thorough investigation has been launched to establish the full facts surrounding the unfortunate death of Mr Kehinde,” DSP Olayinka stated.
He further appealed for calm, urging members of the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands while promising that all those found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The Oyo State Police Command has also confirmed that the victim’s remains have been deposited at a state hospital for post-mortem examination, as efforts continue to trace other individuals believed to have participated in the attack.
Traditional masquerade festivals, while deeply rooted in Yoruba culture and heritage, have occasionally been marred by violence in recent years, prompting repeated calls from civil society groups for stricter oversight during public processions.
As of press time, no formal comment had been issued by the traditional rulers or organisers of the festival. Investigations are ongoing.
