Ewenla Backs Olóòlù Festival, Calls for Respect for Indigenous Faith

…Maintains that Yoruba traditional religion deserves the same recognition as Christianity and Islam

A security expert and the Akinjagunla Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Prince Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, has defended the Olóòlù Masquerade Festival, urging Nigerians to accord Yoruba traditional religion the same constitutional protection and respect enjoyed by other faiths.

In a statement responding to an article titled “Olóòlù Masquerade and Women’s Freedom of Movement Under Nigerian Law,” Ewenla argued that the criticism of the festival failed to appreciate the cultural and religious significance of Yoruba traditions.

He described the Olóòlù Masquerade Festival as a sacred cultural and religious observance, stressing that Yoruba customs and indigenous religion have existed for centuries and remain an integral part of the people’s identity and heritage.

Ewenla maintained that the constitutional rights to freedom of movement and freedom of religion should coexist, noting that no single right should be interpreted in a way that undermines another.

He argued that just as other religious practices, including public calls to prayer and the temporary use of roads during worship, are accommodated in the interest of religious freedom, similar consideration should be extended to adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion during cultural festivals.

The Yoruba leader also expressed concern over what he described as selective criticism of indigenous religious practices, saying religious tolerance requires equal respect for all faiths, including traditional worship.

He called for adequate public awareness ahead of the Olóòlù Festival to enable residents and visitors plan their movements, describing such arrangements as a common practice during major religious and cultural events around the world.

Ewenla urged Nigerians to embrace dialogue, mutual understanding and respect in balancing constitutional rights with cultural preservation.

He emphasized that preserving Yoruba customs and traditions should not be portrayed negatively, but rather recognised as an important aspect of Nigeria’s cultural heritage and peaceful coexistence among people of different religious backgrounds.