The Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, has reaffirmed his dedication to the development and prosperity of Ogbomosoland.
At the event which held at the popular Ògúnlolá Town Hall, Ogbomoso, there were beautiful cultural and artistic performances by Kajola Sekere Dundun, Hockey Rain (Ọmọ Ogbo Ogbomoso Owo Loke), Kerekere Ode (Ijala), magical presentation by America Wonder, Ayankunle Onibata, Egungun Wokere, Hausa Doba, T Flavour (Ododo Èmi), Egungun Akalaifa, Egungun Arigbaasotesun, Eegun Adegboloro, Orebe Ile Agọ, Ọmọ Tuntun, Omoyanran, Temidayo (Hip Up), among many others.
At the historic event attended by representative of Minister for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Industry, Hannah Musa Musawa; Oyo State Governor, Engr. S’eyi Makinde, represented by his Commissioner for Culture and Culture, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun; former military Governor of Oyo State, Gen. Oladayo Popoola; wife of former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo State, Mrs. Kemi Alao-Akala among others, Oba Olaoye made this commitment during the opening of the maiden edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival held at Ogunlola Hall, Oja’gbo, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
Highlighting his 25-year development agenda as a divine assignment from God, Oba Olaoye emphasized that the carnival was conceived to unite the people and advance the region’s economy.
“This 25-year development agenda is a vision from God. It is not my personal agenda but what God wants to accomplish through us in Ogbomoso. Ignore any distractions; my focus remains solely on achieving this vision for development,” the monarch said.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for his support and to the Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy for adopting the carnival as a recognized cultural event in the Southwest.
The Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, commended the initiative, urging all and sundry to embrace the lofty idea advanced by Oba Olaoye.
Represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation, Hon. Abiola Abdulraheem, she urged the monarch to sustain the efforts aimed at promoting the region’s cultural heritage.
In a similar vein, Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, praised Oba Olaoye’s commitment.
“This is my first time of attending a cultural event in Ogbomosoland, and I am thoroughly impressed,” he said.
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Mr. Williams Adeleye, described the event as a milestone in Ogbomosoland’s history.
“The Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival is more than a celebration; it is a vision to unite us, boost economic development, and position Ogbomosoland on the global cultural and tourism map,” he noted.
Attendees were treated to a showcase of the region’s rich cultural heritage, including local delicacies such as Sakada and Agbon, Sapala, Igbalo, Ekuru and Eko, Amala, and Gbegiri.
The opening event concluded with vibrant cultural displays, including performances by various masquerades.
The five-day carnival continues with a lineup of activities aimed at celebrating Ogbomosoland’s heritage and attracting investment opportunities to the region.
Traditional rulers, high chiefs, government representatives, and cultural enthusiasts were among the dignitaries present.