In a landmark move to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Ogbomosoland, the Ogbomoso Committee for Arts and Culture has announced the maiden edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival, set to take place from December 19-23, 2024.
The announcement was made by Prince Williams Adeleye, the Chairman of the Ogbomosoland Committee for Arts and Culture, during a press conference held at the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, on Thursday, August 8th, 2024.
Ogbomosoland, a conglomeration of over 1000 communities spanning five local government areas, is known for its rich agricultural heritage, diverse cultural traditions, and a wealth of tourism potential. The Cradles Carnival aims to rejuvenate the region’s cultural heritage and showcase it to the world, promoting peace, creating jobs, and driving economic development.
“Many countries, including the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda, have thrived on tourism, and we are aligning with the position of the federal and state governments in promoting domestic tourism arts and Culture,” said Prince Adeleye.
The six-day festival will feature a wide array of activities, including the opening ceremony with Egungun (masquerade) displays, traditional hunters’ performances, and Bata/drummers’ showcases. The Odun Oole Oba, a traditional festival celebrated annually by the Royal Families of Soun of Ogbomosoland, will be celebrated in a unique way on the second day.
Other highlights include the 2nd edition of the Oba Ghandi Golf tournament, a masquerade parade, traditional cuisine showcases, stage plays, and musical concerts. The grand finale on the fifth day will feature cultural displays from groups across the five local government areas and traditional homage to the Soun of Ogbomosoland.
The organizers have also announced that Ogbomoso-born international artist, Mr. Alexander Akande Abolore, popularly known as 9ice, will be officially unveiled as the face of the festival during the unveiling of the logo and stakeholders’ forum, the date of which will be announced soon.
“We are using this opportunity as an open invitation to stakeholders, collaborators, sponsors, and cultural enthusiasts to collaborate with the committee in ensuring a successful outing during the maiden edition and the subsequent editions,” concluded Prince Adeleye.
The Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival promises to be a transformative event that will not only celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Ogbomosoland but also serve as a catalyst for economic and social development in the region.
Prince Dotun Oyelade, Oyo state commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation in his remark said the idea of the carnival is to enhance and consolidate the culture of Ogbomoso and to open the eyes of the world to the potentials in Ogbomoso
He added that His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye has been moving around the world to preach culture and tradition as well as restore the confidence of Ogbomoso indigenes in the Diaspora and at home to the need to allign with his 25 years development plan and support the vision for economic development.
