The Progressive Forum, Ibadan (TPFI), under the leadership of its Chairman, Mr Tunji Oladejo, JP, mnipr, MANUPA, mspsp, has expressed shock and profound grief over the tragic killing of 24-year-old Sefiu Kehinde, who was allegedly attacked and killed by the Asoleke masquerade and some of its followers during a procession in Labiran, Ibadan, on Sunday, 5th July, 2026.
In a statement issued by the Forum’s Secretary, Prince Kola Amoo Adelakin, Mr Oladejo described the incident as a painful and unacceptable betrayal of Ibadan’s cultural values.
“Egungun and other traditional rites are the soul of Ibadanland. They connect us to our ancestors, define our identity and bring communities together in celebration. For generations, masquerades have been custodians of culture, discipline and order. What happened in Labiran is a betrayal of that sacred trust”, the Chairman stated.
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He further condemned the violence in clear terms: “No tradition, no festival and no masquerade has the right to shed innocent blood. To attack a young man with axes and cutlasses in full public view is not culture. It is criminality hiding behind a costume”.
According to Mr Oladejo, Asoleke and his followers have not only brought shame to the revered institution of masquerade but have also inflicted irreparable pain on a family and the entire Labiran community.
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“TPFI says clearly: Enough! Any individual or group that uses our cultural platforms to perpetrate violence must face the full weight of the law. Culture without civility is barbarism. Tradition without accountability is tyranny”, he said.
TPFI commended the Oyo State Police Command under CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga for its prompt and professional response. From the immediate deployment of operatives led by the DPO, Mapo Division, to the arrest of the Asoleke masquerade, the processing of the crime scene and the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, the Command has demonstrated that no one is above the law.
The Forum also acknowledged the efforts of the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, for timely updates and for appealing to the public for information to help apprehend the four suspects still at large.
“This is the standard of policing Oyo people expect: decisive, transparent and committed to protecting lives and property,” the statement noted.
In light of the incident, TPFI is calling for:
1. A swift and transparent conclusion to the investigation, with all culpable persons, including the fleeing suspects, arrested and prosecuted;
2. Traditional councils and festival committees across Ibadanland to immediately put in place mechanisms to sanction any masquerade group that engages in violence; and
3. Relevant government agencies on culture and tourism to work closely with security agencies to regulate masquerade processions and ensure public safety during festivals.
The Forum extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of Sefiu Kehinde. “Sefiu was a young man with a future. His life mattered. TPFI stands with you and with the entire Labiran community in demanding justice”, Mr Oladejo said.
TPFI reaffirmed that Ibadanland is a city of rich culture and, equally, a city of law and order. The Forum warned that it will not allow a few violent actors to turn cultural celebrations into arenas of fear. “Let this arrest send a clear message: you cannot wear the masquerade to commit murder and escape justice”, the Chairman concluded.
TPFI, once again, commended the Nigeria Police Force for acting promptly and urged the Command to ensure the case is pursued to a logical conclusion.
May the soul of Sefiu Kehinde rest in peace. May justice be done. May Ibadanland remain peaceful.
