Men of the Oyo State Police Command have arrested a prominent masquerade following the gruesome murder of a 24-year-old man in the Labiran area of Ibadan, directly flouting strict peace orders from the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The deceased, identified as Mr. Sefiu Kehinde, was reportedly hacked to death on Sunday afternoon by the masquerade and a mob of his followers using axes and cutlasses.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Monday morning, revealing that the primary suspect is now in custody while a manhunt has been launched for four fleeing accomplices.

According to police manifestoes, the bloody encounter occurred at approximately 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2026. A distress call from a family member alerted authorities to the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters.

"The masquerade, identified as the Asoleke, and its followers were parading through Labiran when they allegedly attacked Kehinde," Ayanlade stated. "The victim sustained severe injuries across various parts of his body from weapons including axes and cutlasses."

A rapid response team led by the Mapo Divisional Police Officer mobilised to the scene and evacuated the heavily bleeding victim to a nearby hospital. Doctors on duty confirmed Kehinde dead on arrival.

The killing comes as a direct violation of safety directives issued by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja.

Prior to the annual cultural festivities, the monarch had explicitly warned all masquerades and traditional adherents against weapon-wielding, cult clashes, and general violence. Oba Ladoja emphasized that the festival must not be weaponised to settle old scores, wage supremacy battles, or orchestrate retaliatory attacks against rival groups.

While the Asoleke masquerade remains detained for interrogation, detectives are actively pursuing the remaining members of the gang.

The Oyo State Police Command has launched a comprehensive investigation into the murder, assuring the public that all perpetrators involved in the lawlessness will be brought to face swift justice.