The ancient city of Ogbomosoland was excited as the maiden Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival reached its grand finale on Monday, December 23, 2024. The five-day extravaganza, which kicked off on Thursday, December 19, showcased the rich cultural heritage of Ogbomosoland and left an indelible mark on the hearts of participants and spectators alike.
The Soun Ogunlola Stadium, the carnival venue, was transformed into a kaleidoscope of colours as different societal groups in the town donned their finest traditional ofi attires. The air was electric with anticipation as the crowd awaited the arrival of the royal father, Soun Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye (Orumogege III).
The monarch’s grand entrance kicked off the historic cultural tourism event, a significant part of Oba Olaoye’s 25-year development plan. Participants recited the National, Oyo State, and Ogbomoso anthems, demonstrating their patriotism and love for their country, state, and community.
The event was a sensory extravaganza with thrilling performances by the Oyo State Cultural Troupe, masquerades, and Sango. Dignitaries from across the nation delivered goodwill messages, lauding the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival initiative and its potential to exponentially transform the ancient town’s economic landscape while promoting the cultural heritage and values of Ogbomoso and the Yoruba at large.
Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival: Celebrating Culture and Community
The Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival celebrated the city’s rich history, cultural diversity, and resilience. It featured various activities, including traditional dances, music performances, and artistic exhibitions.
The event’s highlight was the majestic displays by the over 50 societal groups in the town, who paid homage to the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye. The crowd was treated to electrifying music and beats by Alhaji Ramon Akannin, popularly known as RK1, a first-class fuji musician and son of the soil, and Saheed Akorede (popularly known as Osupa).
Another exciting event was the crowning of Miss Ogbomoso 2025, who received N500,000 in prizes from corporate organisations.
In his remarks, Soun Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye (Orumogege III), expressed his delight at the carnival’s success and thanked the organisers, participants, and spectators for their support. He also stressed the importance of preserving and promoting Ogbomosoland’s cultural heritage for future generations.
In his remarks, the chairman of the organising committee, Mr. Williams Adeleye, said the carnival had been a beautiful showcase of the diversity and richness of our traditions—the younguns, the drummers, the hunters, the dancing, the music, the art, sports, and the flavours have brought us together in a way that transcends differences and fosters understanding. We have witnessed the talent of our youths, rejuvenated culture and traditions, and the wisdom of our elders, reminding us that our culture is a living legacy that continues to thrive through generations. Indeed, Ogbomosoland is the cradle of Yoruba cultural civilisation.
Adeleye described the maiden carnival as a litmus test, adding, “We have successfully elevated Ogbomoso to a higher pedestal among communities that promote culture and tourism. We are confident that subsequent editions of this carnival will only get bigger and better.”
Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, praised Oba Ghandi for his visionary efforts in promoting culture and tourism. He described the carnival as a fantastic initiative that fosters unity and economic development in Ogbomosoland.
“This impressive outing has shown that our quintessential monarch is fully prepared to move Ogbomoso forward,” he remarked, commending traditional rulers and stakeholders for their support.
Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Wasiu Olatubosun, who actively participated in the festival from its inception, described the Cradles Carnival as a groundbreaking initiative. He highlighted its potential to drive growth and rapid development and elevate Ogbomosoland onto the global map of culture and tourism.
Hon. Olatubosun commended Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye for his visionary leadership and the carnival committee for organising such a remarkable event in Ogbomoso. “This initiative will unite our people and attract significant attention to our cultural heritage. I am confident subsequent editions will be even more spectacular,” he stated, urging stakeholders to support the monarch’s vision more.
Other dignitaries, including Oba Dokun Abokunrin, the Orangun of Oke-Ila in Osun State; Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, Hon. Olamiju Ayodeji Alao Akala; Hon. Sunday Makanjuola; and Hon. George Ogunlade, lauded the monarch’s leadership and pledged their continued support for the annual event and other developmental projects.
As the carnival ended, the people of Ogbomosoland and beyond were left with a renewed sense of pride and appreciation for their cultural heritage. The success of the maiden edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival has set the stage for an annual celebration that will continue to showcase the best of Ogbomosoland’s culture and traditions.
The people of Ogbomosoland eagerly anticipated the next Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival, eager to celebrate and showcase their rich cultural heritage to the world once more.
