The historic city of Ogbomoso burst into life as the inaugural Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival was wrapped up in a grand spectacle on Monday, December 23, 2024.
The five-day festival, which kicked off on Thursday, December 19, celebrated the city’s rich cultural heritage and left an indelible mark on all who attended.
The Soun Ogunlola Stadium, the venue for the grand finale, was a stunning tableau of traditional elegance. Indigenous groups and associations proudly showcased their heritage through vibrant ofi and Ankara fabrics, creating a dazzling sea of colors that reflected Ogbomoso’s cultural pride.
The carnival’s highlights included mesmerizing performances by iconic musicians such as Alhaji Ramoni Akanni RK1 and Saheed Akorede (Osupa), alongside breathtaking masquerade displays and cultural showcases by the Oyo State cultural troupe.
These captivating acts enthralled the audience, solidifying the event’s reputation as a milestone celebration of Yoruba traditions.
Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye (Orumogege III), the Soun of Ogbomoso, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the event’s success. He 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,” the monarch stated.
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.”
The festival, which featured 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, Hon. Wasiu Olatubosun, praised the initiative as groundbreaking, noting 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 the diaspora, who paid homage to Oba Ghandi.
This collective effort symbolized a renewed commitment to unity and cultural pride, marking the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival as a transformative celebration of tradition and progress. (By Taiwo Oluwadare, Daily Sun)
