The ancient town of Ogbomoso came alive on Thursday as drums rolled, dancers swayed and masquerades dazzled guests at the opening ceremony of the second edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival, formally ushering in days of cultural celebration, tourism and economic activities.
The Palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland and the Ogbomoso Town Hall were a beehive of activities as traditional drummers, cultural troupes and performers from across Ogbomosoland staged energetic displays showcasing the rich heritage, history and identity of the people.
Before proceeding to the Town Hall, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, and his chiefs visited the exhibition centre where various local cuisines — including Sapala, Igbalo, Sakada, Amala and Moinmoin — were being prepared and displayed, highlighting Ogbomoso’s rich culinary heritage.
Declaring the carnival open, Oba Ghandi described the festival as a platform for cultural revival, unity, excitement and economic progress. He noted that the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival has become a rallying point for promoting the town’s cultural values while boosting its tourism potential.
The monarch also commended the cyclists who participated in the historic ride from Ogbomoso to Iseyin as part of the carnival activities, and announced the donation of school bags to pupils in public schools across Ogbomoso.
Earlier, renowned cultural scholar and Ifa priest, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, Araba Osogbo, delivered a lecture titled “Religion and Culture,” in which he emphasised the uniqueness of the Yoruba language despite the existence of over 7,000 languages worldwide.
Elebuibon urged Yoruba people to remain consistent in promoting and preserving their culture and traditions, stressing that cultural identity remains a powerful tool for unity, development and global relevance. He also commended Oba Ghandi Olaoye for what he described as deliberate cultural rejuvenation efforts in Ogbomoso, particularly the promotion of local cuisines, customs and indigenous traditions through initiatives such as the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival.
The event also featured colourful masquerade displays and traditional dance performances, with artistes moving in sync with the rhythms of talking drums, bata and gangan, drawing loud applause from guests, tourists and cultural enthusiasts.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Hon. Segun Dokun Odebunmi, said the carnival was designed to foster unity, stimulate economic growth and position Ogbomoso as a major cultural and tourism destination in Nigeria and beyond.
According to him, the festival has already attracted national recognition and sponsorship while creating opportunities for local businesses, artisans, food vendors and creatives to showcase Ogbomoso’s cultural wealth to a wider audience.
Odebunmi called on indigenes of Ogbomoso to continue to participate in the celebrations, which continue on Friday and run until Monday, December 22.
