pannigeriannews 
By Sunday Adepọju
In the last six days and more, the ancient city of Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria has been the country’s and global cynosure of the Yoruba’s rich culture, tourism and traditions. Needless, in fact, to say that the internet, including social media platforms, was also ‘locked down’ by stories, presentations, social media posts.
International, national, state and community media organisations were not left out in the crisp representation of the beautifully packaged events that trailed the maiden Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival 2024 organised by sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland, both home and abroad, under the direction of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Oladunni Olaoye, Orumogege III.
Speaking during the opening ceremony held at the popular Ogunlola Hall, Oja’gbo, Ogbomoso, the Aalẹ of Okeelerin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Samuel Babatunde Oyebamiji Amao, narrrated part of the history of Ogbomoso, especially relating to the Alongo Society, comprising Aalẹ, Orisatolu, Akandie, Ohunsile and Ogunlola.
The monarch preached unity and economic development, stressing that division could only hinder the desired development of the land.
Ever since he ascended the throne of his forebears about a year ago, Oba Olaoye has been hell-bent on the development of the Ogbomoso communities as strategically encapsulated in his much talked-about Ogbomosoland 25-Year Development Plan.
According to the Chairman of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival Planning Committee and Special Assistant to former President Muhamadu Buhari, Mr. Williams Adeleye, stated that the carnival falls under the culture and tourism development segment, of Oba Olaoye. He noted that the celebration of Ogbomoso’s rich culture and tradition was also part of the commemoration of the traditional ruler’s first installation anniversary.
Beginning from the opening ceremony on Thursday, December 19 at Ogunlola Hall, Oja’gbo to the grand finale which held at the Soun Stadium, Ogbomoso on Monday, December 23, 2024, eminent personalities; business, political, religious and royal leaders, personalities from the entertainment industry; local, national and international groups, and a host of other avalanche of groups were part of the epoch-making maiden Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival 2024 which many have posted that it has further cemented the claim that Ogbomoso is a haven of culture and civilization.
Pundits have said that with the cooperation of other traditional institutions, both within and outside Ogbomososo, Oba Olaoye ignited the unity, peace, progress and progress of the Ogbomosoland. The involvement of international, national, state and local authorities of culture has better enhanced the place of Ogbomoso in the world culture and tourism.
Inter alia, the event drew attention of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, National Institute for Cultural Orientation, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism; private cultural organisations and up to the global United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Thrilling performances by Alhaji Ramoni Akanni RK1 and Saheed Akorede (Osupa); beautiful outings of great masquerades like Ajomogbodo, the five masquerades each representing each royal family of Soun (Itabiyi, Odunaro, Gbagun, Bolanta and Laoye), Egungun Wokere, Omotuntun, Arigbaasotesun from Yaku, among other significant and ancient Egungun.
Beyond these, there were ijala rendition by Kekere Odẹ, a perfect semblance of the late Ogundare Foyanmu, the renowned ijala promoter who hailed from Ogbomoso and was reputed for pioneering digital documentation of ijala in 1956.
Oba Olaoye, who expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the event’s success, praised the organizers and participants, emphasizing the importance of preserving the city’s cultural legacy for unity and economic progress.
“We have witnessed a remarkable event that reflects the beauty of our traditions and the power of our unity. This carnival is a step toward fostering greater cohesion and promoting Ogbomoso’s cultural and economic prosperity,” he stated.
The chairman of the carnival committee, Mr. Williams Adeleye, called for continued efforts to celebrate and preserve Ogbomoso’s heritage.
“Culture is the essence of our identity, a bridge to our future, and a unifying force. Let this carnival inspire us to embrace our shared values of love, respect, and togetherness,” Adeleye said.
The carnival, featuring an array of activities including traditional dances, music, sports, and food exhibitions, drew attendees across generations and regions, reinforcing Ogbomoso’s status as a hub of Yoruba culture.
Prominent figures such as Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, commended the Soun for his visionary leadership in promoting culture and tourism.
“This carnival has demonstrated that Oba Ghandi is committed to propelling Ogbomoso into a new era of unity and growth,” he remarked.
Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, described the carnival as a success, dwelling on its potential to position Ogbomoso on the global cultural map.
“This festival has set the stage for cultural and economic transformation in Ogbomoso. I urge all stakeholders to support the Soun’s vision to make subsequent editions even greater,” he said.
Other dignitaries, including Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, Hon. Olamiju Ayodeji Alao-Akala, and Hon. Sunday Makanjuola, lauded the monarch’s leadership and pledged their support for future editions of the carnival.
The carnival’s success was further reinforced by the presence of over 50 clubs and associations from Ogbomoso and in the Diaspora, who paid homage to Oba Ghandi.
This collective effort, it has been said, symbolized a renewed commitment to unity and cultural pride, marking the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival as a transformative celebration of tradition and progress.
