Ogbomoso Set to Welcome Diaspora Indigenes for Five-Day Cultural Carnival in December

Ogbomoso, Oyo State, is preparing to host indigenes from Nigeria and across the world for the third edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival, a five-day celebration scheduled for December 17 to 21, 2026.

The festival is designed to showcase the town’s cultural heritage, strengthen community bonds and encourage people living abroad to reconnect with their ancestral home.

Chairman of the Carnival’s Central Planning Committee, Hon. Segun Dokun Odebunmi, announced the programme during a press conference at the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III. He explained that the carnival aligns with the monarch’s 25-year development vision for the town.

According to the organisers, this year’s edition will feature traditional performances, sporting competitions, religious gatherings, exhibitions, music and other cultural activities.

The festivities will begin on December 17 with a cycling competition from Iseyin to Ogbomoso, alongside displays of local food, arts and crafts. The opening ceremony at Soun Ogunlola Arena will feature traditional hunters, Bata dance performances and musical entertainment.

On December 18, activities will include Islamic prayers, a Jumat service, the installation of chieftaincy title holders and traditional celebrations. The following day will feature the Ogbomoso Marathon, a golf tournament, chess, scrabble, Ayo Olopon and other sporting competitions.

December 20 will mark the third anniversary of Oba Olaoye’s coronation with a thanksgiving service. The programme will also include a book presentation, autism awareness activities, a concert and an awards ceremony.

The carnival will conclude on December 21 with Ajilete Day at Soun Stadium, where cultural associations, social groups and organisations will gather to pay homage to the traditional ruler. The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and other prominent personalities are expected to attend.

Speaking at the event, Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, reaffirmed the state government's support for the carnival, noting that relevant ministries had been involved in its organisation since its establishment.

He also assured visitors of adequate security, disclosing that security committees comprising serving and retired military personnel and senior police officers had been constituted to oversee safety throughout the celebration.

Oyelade further revealed that interest among Ogbomoso indigenes in the diaspora had increased significantly, with the number of returning visitors reportedly tripling. He added that hotels across the town had already recorded full bookings.

The growing participation is being linked to efforts to strengthen confidence in Ogbomoso's security, cultural identity and development prospects.

Beyond its entertainment value, the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival is expected to provide an opportunity for diaspora engagement, cultural preservation and increased tourism activities in the historic Oyo town.