The Ibadan Cultural Festival brought the city to life on the 18th of April at Lekan Salami Stadium, serving as a powerful showcase for Oyo State culture. Large crowds gathered to witness the grand finale, which celebrated the deep-rooted identity of the ancient city. The event stood as a proud testament to the resilience and history of its people.
Honouring Leaders at the Ibadan Cultural Festival
President Alhaja Sarat Abeje, the Iyaloja of Oyo State, led members of the Ibadan Royal Women’s Club to the event. They joined the crowd to shower encomiums on Chief Moshood Gbolagade Akere. As the chairman of the CCII 2026 planning committee, his work received special praise from the club members.
The event acted as a vital bridge between the past and the present. It displayed a wide array of attractions, including historical facts, traditional fashion, and local Ibadan delicacies. The President General of the CCII, Aare Atunluse of Ibadanland, Chief (Barr) Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole, spoke on the vision for the day.
He stated that the essence of the gathering is to promote peace, love, unity, and harmony within communities, while also complementing the state government’s efforts on development.
Celebrating the Pace-Setter City Heritage
Hon. Aminat Kobiowu, co-chairperson of the medical outreach and palliative subcommittee, spoke with REPORTERS AT LARGE during the festivities. Joined by coordinator Alhaja Olori Toyin Adepoju and treasurer Rita Adeyemi, Kobiowu shared her thoughts on the Ibadan heritage. She described the grand finale as a true reflection of the “pace-setter” city.
“Ibadan Cultural day grand finale is showcasing the pace setters city attributes, a city with 63 town’s, and 3,089 villages, comprising gorgeous socialites, and prudent in spending.”
The Ibadan Royal Women’s Club made a visual statement at the stadium. They wore high-level burgundy and champagne gold during the march-past parade. The members felt deep pride in their fatherland as they moved across the field. His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja attended the event. His presence added weight to the occasion, confirming the city’s status as the land of great warlords, such as “Jagun Jagun Ogunmola.”
Preserving Indigenous Knowledge and Culture
Dr. Chief (Mrs) Awotunde Asiwaju, Matron of the Ibadan Royal Women’s Club, spoke on the indigenous attractions of the city. She described Ibadan as a powerhouse of knowledge, history, and culture where heritage traditions are still respected today. She shared a famous local proverb:
“Ibadan Omo Ajegbin, fi karahun foko.”
She explained that this means that as Ibadan indigenes eat snails, they use the shell to swallow pap—a practice that is highly nutritional. This deep respect for their past is why the city continues to showcase its arts, historical facts, music, drum-tone dances, and fashion.
The guest list featured the top leadership of Ibadan. Dignitaries included the Chairman of the day, Agbaoye of Ibadanland, Chief Kola Karim. The Royal Mother of the day was High Chief Mrs Teresa Laduntan Oyekanmi, the Iyalode of Ibadanland. Also present was the Grand Matron of CCII, Chief (Ayaba) Olayinka Mutiat Ladoja, the Grand Ambassador of Ibadan Culture (GAIC) and Maye Iyalode of Ibadanland, along with other prominent royal fathers. The day proved that the spirit of the ancient city remains as strong as ever.
