The Oyo State Government joined the Ibadan Labala Masquerades Group in a special prayer session for victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
Held at the Labala shrine in Labo, Ibadan, the prayer was led by the group’s President, Chief Ojeyemi Ajayi, also known as Idunnu Ifa.
The masquerades said the prayers and sacrifices were for the safe return of the abductees and to restore peace and security under Governor Seyi Makinde.
Mr. Kunle Agboola, General Manager of Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture, represented the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism.
He lauded the group’s compassion and concern for the victims and the state.
He noted that the gesture by the Ibadan Labala Masquerades Group was particularly commendable because it demonstrated a strong partnership with the government in addressing societal challenges.
Agboola said: “Your efforts will not be in vain. We believe that the prayers and sacrifices offered today will yield positive results and that the abductees will soon reunite with their families. Many groups have organized prayers concerning this incident, but I sincerely appreciate your invitation to the government to participate in this unique spiritual exercise.”
Speaking on behalf of the group, the Balogun Baale Labala of Ibadan and Oyo State, Chief Oosakola Oladejo, explained that a special sacrifice had earlier been carried out privately for the abductees.
He added that the prayer walk organized by the group across selected locations in Ibadan was aimed at seeking divine intervention for the victims’ safety, warding off death, and praying for an end to kidnapping and insecurity in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
Several spiritual leaders of the Labala Masquerades Group offered prayers during the event, including the Otun Balogun Baale Labala of Ibadan and Oyo State, Chief Ojediran Olalekan, among others.
After the shrine prayers, Premium News reports that attendees led by the Labala masquerades staged a prayer walk.
The procession moved from Labala Shrine through Labo Oranyan, Wesley College, Oba Asanke Street, and Idi-Aro Junction before returning to the shrine.