Babalase, the Chief Priest, meaning "father of the shrine" is the male equivalent of Iyalase. His main function within the Gelede society is the organization of the events for the Gelede festival. In line with being the organizer of the Gelede events, he is the official keeper of the Gelede headdresses and costumes. The Babalase is, in the most general terms, the assistant to Iyalase where he will only be appointed with the approval of Iya Nla and the powerful mothers.