The fear of the coronavirus has not only marked the beginning of wisdom in both high and low places, but also in the affairs of the gods.
Case in point: as part of his own efforts to curtail the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Sunday, banned masqueraders’ dance to his palace and to other chiefs during the forthcoming 2020 Egungun Festival.
The Olubadan’s decision was disclosed in a press statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Adeola Oloko, in Ibadan on Sunday.
In it, the Olubadan directed the traditional masqueraders to observe their rituals from their respective homes and pray for the speedy end to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to him, the decision not to have any long procession this year was in obedience to the health protocols issued by health experts and those charged with stopping the scourge in Nigeria, and the world, especially as it concerns social distancing.
Adetunji stated that the boisterous nature of the festival has made it imperative for all masqueraders to stay at home and perform all necessary rites until the authorities’ declare otherwise.
He said that the decision to ban the dance was reached after extensive consultation with the relevant authorities and stakeholders.
The monarch advised the people to wash their hands, use facemasks and maintain social distancing at all times to curb the spread of the global pandemic.
- NAN