IBADAN — The Progressive Forum, Ibadan (TPFI), has strongly condemned the killing of 24-year-old Sefiu Kehinde, who was allegedly attacked and killed by the Asoleke masquerade and some of his followers during a masquerade procession at Labiran, Ibadan, on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

The forum described the incident as a tragic distortion of Ibadan’s cherished cultural heritage and called for justice for the deceased.

In a statement signed by its Secretary, Prince Kola Amoo Adelakin, the Chairman of TPFI, Mr. Tunji Oladejo, JP, mnipr, MANUPA, mspsp, expressed shock and profound grief over the incident, insisting that no cultural practice should serve as a cover for criminality.

According to Oladejo, masquerade festivals and other traditional rites have historically symbolised unity, discipline and respect for ancestral values in Ibadanland.

“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. What happened in Labiran is a betrayal of that sacred trust,” he stated.

The TPFI Chairman maintained that attacking a young man with dangerous weapons during a public procession could not be justified under any cultural tradition.

“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,” he said.
Oladejo further alleged that the actions of the Asoleke masquerade and his followers had brought disrepute to the revered masquerade institution while inflicting irreparable pain on the victim’s family and the entire Labiran community.

He stressed that individuals who exploit cultural platforms to perpetrate violence must be held accountable in accordance with the law.

The forum also commended the Oyo State Police Command for what it described as a prompt and professional response to the incident.

TPFI praised the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, noting that the immediate deployment of operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer of Mapo Division, the arrest of the Asoleke masquerade, preservation of the crime scene and transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department demonstrated that no individual is above the law.

The forum equally acknowledged the efforts of the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, for providing timely public updates and appealing for information that could assist in apprehending the four remaining suspects who are still at large.

Describing the police action as commendable, TPFI said it reflected the standard of policing expected by residents of Oyo State.
The organisation called for a speedy and transparent conclusion of the investigation, urging security agencies to ensure that all suspects connected with the killing are arrested and prosecuted.

It also urged traditional councils and festival committees across Ibadanland to establish effective disciplinary measures against masquerade groups that engage in violent conduct.

In addition, TPFI appealed to government agencies responsible for culture and tourism to collaborate with security agencies in regulating masquerade processions to guarantee public safety during traditional festivals.

The forum extended its condolences to the family of the late Sefiu Kehinde, describing him as a promising young man whose life was cut short.

“Sefiu was a young man with a future. His life mattered. TPFI stands with you and with the entire Labiran community in demanding justice,” Oladejo said.

Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful coexistence, TPFI maintained that while Ibadan remains proud of its rich cultural heritage, the city must equally uphold the rule of law.

“Let this arrest send a clear message: you cannot wear the masquerade to commit murder and escape justice,” the chairman concluded.

The forum urged the Nigeria Police Force to pursue the case diligently until justice is served while praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased.