Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival: Massive Diaspora Homecoming, Hotels Fully Booked, as Cradles Carnival Drives Cultural Reawakening. -

The third edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival is set to bring together indigenes at home and in the diaspora for a five-day celebration aimed at preserving the town’s cultural heritage, strengthening communal bonds and promoting its development potential.

The carnival, scheduled to hold from December 17 to 21, 2026, will feature a blend of traditional ceremonies, sporting competitions, religious activities, cultural exhibitions and musical performances.

Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Hon. Segun Dokun Odebunmi, disclosed this during a world press conference at the Palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, where he unveiled the activities lined up for the event.

Odebunmi explained that the carnival was conceived as part of the 25-year development agenda of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, to promote cultural identity, unity and a stronger connection between Ogbomoso indigenes and their ancestral heritage.

He said the initiative was designed to create a platform where Ogbomoso people, irrespective of their geographical locations, could reconnect with their roots, celebrate their shared history and contribute to the town’s development.

“The beauty of our culture is in our diversity, but the strength of our culture is in our unity,” he said.

According to the programme released by the committee, activities will commence 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, the official opening ceremony at the Soun Ogunlola Arena, traditional hunters’ displays, Bata acrobatic dances and musical performances at the palace.

Friday, December 18, will be devoted to religious and traditional activities, including special Islamic prayers, installation of chieftaincy titles, Jumat service and the traditional Odun Oole celebration, alongside musical performances.

The sporting activities will take centre stage on Saturday, December 19, with the Ogbomoso Marathon and Oba Ghandi Golf Tournament at the Ogbomoso Recreation Club.

Other activities scheduled for the day include indoor competitions in chess, scrabble and Ayo Olopon, as well as the finals of various pre-carnival competitions.

On Sunday, December 20, the carnival will feature the third anniversary coronation thanksgiving service of Oba Olaoye, a book launch and public presentation, and a sensitisation and training programme for persons with autism.

A musical concert and award night will also form part of the day’s activities.

The five-day celebration will climax on Monday, December 21, with Ajilete Day at the Soun Stadium.

The grand finale will feature traditional homage-paying by socio-cultural groups, clubs and associations to the Soun, with the Oyo State Governor and other prominent dignitaries expected to grace the occasion.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the success of the carnival, disclosing that the government had been actively involved in its planning since its inception three years ago.

Oyelade said Governor Seyi Makinde had ensured the participation of relevant government officials, particularly commissioners overseeing the ministries of Information and Culture and Tourism.

He noted that while the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism was involved in his official capacity, his own participation was strengthened by his identity as an indigene of Ogbomoso.

According to him, the governor’s inclusive approach had helped sustain government support for the initiative and the broader development aspirations of the ancient town.

On security, Oyelade disclosed that the organisers had established between eight and 10 committees, including a dedicated security committee comprising serving and retired military officers, as well as senior police personnel.

He said the security team included experienced officers who had participated in military operations in countries such as Sierra Leone and Liberia, among other international theatres of operation.

He assured residents, visitors and returning indigenes that adequate security arrangements had been put in place, with the state government providing the necessary support.

“We have a security committee populated by professional security personalities, and we are not short of them from Ogbomoso. You know we are a land of warriors.

“So you have serving military officers, including generals, retired military officers, including those who have tested battles in places like Sierra Leone, Eastern Europe, Liberia, everywhere, and top-notch police officers.

“We have geared up, and government is supportive. We have assured our people that there is no cause for concern,” he said.

The commissioner further disclosed that the number of Ogbomoso indigenes returning from the diaspora for the carnival had reportedly tripled, while hotels across the town had been fully booked ahead of the celebration.

He attributed the growing interest to increased confidence in the town’s security situation and development prospects, particularly the 25-year development agenda initiated by Oba Olaoye.

Oyelade expressed optimism that the development blueprint would record significant progress within its first decade, projecting that at least 50 per cent of its objectives could be achieved within the period.

He said the long-term vision was already encouraging investors and other stakeholders to take a renewed interest in Ogbomoso’s economic and developmental prospects.