For five unforgettable days, the historic city of Ogbomoso and its environs bubbled with life, colour and excitement as the 2nd edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival 2025 delivered a rich celebration of culture, sports, entertainment and royal homage to the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III.
The carnival featured a wide range of activities including cultural heritage showcases, traditional and continental sports, beauty pageantry, music and dance performances, all aimed at promoting unity, tourism and economic development in Ogbomosoland.
With over 100 registered indigenous socio-cultural associations at home and in the diaspora, alongside age grades, religious and political groups, the Soun Ogunlola Township Stadium became a vibrant melting pot of colours and traditions. Participants appeared in diverse and colourful indigenous attires, creating a cultural spectacle that formed a major highlight of Oyo State’s vibrant December tourism calendar.
The carnival officially commenced on Thursday, December 19, with a thrilling opening ceremony that featured exhibitions of local cuisines, spectacular masquerade displays, traditional drumming and spiritual rites. A major highlight of the ceremony was the iwure and cultural lecture delivered by the Araba of Osogbo, Chief Yemi Elebuibon, who applauded the growing consciousness among the Yoruba people towards the rejuvenation of their cultural heritage and commended Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye for his sustained efforts in promoting Yoruba culture.
Adding a strong sports-tourism dimension to the carnival, a Grand Fondo cycling event was held on Thursday, coordinated by United States-based Ogbomoso indigene, Adebayo Majolagbe. The endurance ride saw over 100 cyclists cover an impressive 170-kilometre route from Ogbomoso to Iseyin and back, drawing cycling enthusiasts and spectators alike and further projecting Ogbomoso as an emerging destination for adventure and sports tourism.
Pre-carnival activities, coordinated by Mr. Banji Ojo and his secretary, Chief Pekun Olaleye Armstrong, also brought together people of all ages through a wide array of traditional games and continental sports. Competitions such as Ayo Olopon, scrabble, table tennis and beauty pageantry recorded enthusiastic participation, while golfers from different parts of the country converged on the Ogbomoso Recreation Club for the 2nd edition of the Oba Ghandi Golf Tournament, adding prestige and sports tourism value to the festival.
The sporting excitement continued on Saturday with the Ogbomoso Marathon Race, which attracted runners from within and outside the state, reinforcing the carnival’s growing reputation as a multi-sport cultural festival.
Another major attraction was the celebration of Odun Oole Oba on Friday, an important traditional event that unites the five ruling houses of Ogbomosoland. The occasion also witnessed the installation of new chiefs by the monarch, including Dr. Saka Balogun as Balogun of Ogbomosoland, Professor Adesola Adepoju as the new Asiwaju of Ogbomosoland, Sir Olusegun Adekunle as Ashipa of Ogbomosoland, and Retired Rear Admiral Ajani as Otun Mayegun, drawing dignitaries and well-wishers to the palace.
The monarch’s second coronation anniversary thanksgiving was held on Friday at the palace and on Sunday at Beulah Baptist Centre, where people gathered to give thanks to God and pray for peace, unity and sustained progress in Ogbomosoland. Oba Ghandi reaffirmed his commitment to leading with the fear of God and steering the town towards greater development.
The excitement peaked again on Monday, December 22, with the celebration of the annual Ajilete Day, as Ogbomoso erupted in colourful dances, music and fashion displays. Performances by the Oyo State Cultural Troupe, alongside entertaining displays by renowned performers including the America Wonder, further electrified the atmosphere and delighted the large audience.
Speaking with journalists at the grand finale, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, representing Oyo North Senatorial District in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, described the carnival as an unforgettable celebration of heritage and unity. He said witnessing the colourful parade and homage paid to the Soun of Ogbomosoland filled him with pride, noting that the carnival serves as a powerful reminder of the unbreakable bond among the people of Ogbomoso.
According to the Senator, the carnival has evolved beyond a festival to become “the vibrant heartbeat of our culture and a bold vision for the future,” while commending the leadership and commitment of Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye for positioning Ogbomoso as a rising centre for cultural tourism.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Hon. Segun Dokun Odebunmi, expressed satisfaction with the success of the carnival, appreciating Oba Ghandi for his vision and welcoming dignitaries including Governor Seyi Makinde, the Minister of Arts, Culture and Tourism, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, heads of federal and state agencies, and the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun.
Odebunmi noted that beyond its cultural significance, the carnival delivered immense socio-economic benefits, as hotels, markets, artisans, transport operators, food vendors and entertainers recorded increased patronage. He added that economic activities in the town enjoyed the season differently, with businesses experiencing improved sales and higher customer traffic due to the influx of visitors.
In his remarks, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye expressed happiness over the huge success of the 2025 edition, describing it as an indication that future editions would be even more glorious. He explained that the carnival was designed not just for celebration, but as a platform to unite Ogbomoso indigenes, attract investors and stimulate economic prosperity.
The Asiwaju of Ogbomosoland, Professor Adesola Adepoju, also noted that the carnival has brought many sons and daughters of Ogbomoso back home to reconnect with their roots and pay homage to their king. He described the turnout as unprecedented, stressing the need to expand the venue ahead of the next edition to accommodate more participants and unlock additional business opportunities.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, observed that the carnival, which began last year, has rapidly grown from a local celebration into an event with national and global appeal.
Similarly, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, commended the monarch and the planning committee, reiterating the Oyo State Government’s continuous support for culture and tourism initiatives capable of driving economic growth and global recognition.
As the curtains fell on the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival 2025, the festival stood tall not only as a celebration of heritage and identity, but also as a powerful driver of tourism, sports, unity and economic revival in Ogbomosoland.
