Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival Targets Diaspora Homecoming, Cultural Revival
The third edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival is set to bring indigenes of the ancient town together for five days of cultural celebration, ancestral reconnection and community development.
The carnival, scheduled for December 17 to 21, 2026, is designed to strengthen the bond between Ogbomoso indigenes at home and those living in different parts of the world, while promoting the town’s cultural heritage and development aspirations.
The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Hon. Segun Dokun Odebunmi, disclosed this at a world press conference held at the Palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, where he outlined the vision and activities for the event.
He explained that the carnival was conceived as part of the 25-year development agenda of the Soun, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, with culture serving as a platform for unity, identity and collective progress.
According to him, the celebration would provide an opportunity for Ogbomoso indigenes, particularly those in the diaspora, to reconnect with their ancestral heritage and participate in the development of their hometown.
“The beauty of our culture is in our diversity, but the strength of our culture is in our unity,” Odebunmi said.
He added that the five-day celebration would feature traditional ceremonies, sporting competitions, religious activities, exhibitions and musical performances.
The programme will begin on Thursday, December 17, with the Gran Fondo cycling competition from Iseyin to Ogbomoso. The opening day will also feature local food and art exhibitions, traditional hunters’ displays, Bata acrobatic dances and musical performances at the palace.
Other activities include the Ogbomoso Marathon, Oba Ghandi Golf Tournament, chess, scrabble and Ayo Olopon competitions, alongside religious programmes and traditional celebrations.
Sunday, December 20, will feature the third anniversary coronation thanksgiving service of Oba Olaoye, a book launch and public presentation, as well as a sensitisation and training programme for persons with autism.
The celebration will climax on Monday, December 21, with Ajilete Day at the Soun Stadium, where socio-cultural groups, clubs and associations will pay traditional homage to the Soun. The Oyo State Governor and other dignitaries are expected to attend.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the carnival had continued to attract growing interest from Ogbomoso indigenes abroad, with the number of returnees reportedly tripling and hotels across the town fully booked.
He attributed the development to increased confidence in the town’s prospects, particularly the 25-year development agenda initiated by the Soun.
Oyelade also said the Oyo State Government had participated in the planning of the carnival since its inception three years ago, with relevant ministries involved in the process.
On security, he disclosed that between eight and 10 committees had been constituted by the organisers, including a security committee comprising serving and retired military officers and senior police officers.
He said the state government was supporting the security arrangements, assuring prospective visitors of measures put in place for a peaceful celebration.
