Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival 2025: A Cultural Renaissance and Economic Revival

A Homecoming Beyond Festivities

Long before the vibrant rhythms and colorful dances took center stage, a profound movement was already underway in Ogbomoso-a heartfelt return to roots. Streets buzzed with renewed activity, long-abandoned homes welcomed their owners back, hotels brimmed with visitors, and familiar faces reappeared as natives from across Nigeria and the diaspora gathered for the second edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival 2025.

For five unforgettable days, Ogbomoso transcended its role as a mere host city, transforming into a vibrant nexus of heritage, identity, and opportunity. More than 100 indigenous socio-cultural groups from Nigeria and abroad assembled at the Soun Ogunlola Township Stadium, adorned in dazzling traditional garments, to honor the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III. These grand parades were not just ceremonial displays but powerful affirmations of cultural belonging and pride.

Opening Ceremonies: Tradition Meets Spiritual Reflection

The carnival commenced on Thursday, December 19, with a rich tapestry of cultural rituals, showcases of indigenous cuisine, masquerade performances, and the hypnotic beats of traditional drums. The spiritual dimension was underscored by the Araba of Osogbo, Chief Yemi Elebuibon, whose reflections celebrated the resurgence of Yoruba cultural awareness and lauded the monarch’s pivotal role in rekindling pride in native heritage.

Sporting Events as Symbols of Unity and Heritage

A highlight of the festival was the Grand Fondo cycling tour, masterminded by Adebayo Majolagbe, a U.S.-based Ogbomoso native. He led over 100 cyclists on a challenging 170-kilometer route from Ogbomoso to Iseyin and back, transforming familiar landscapes into emerging tourism corridors. Complementing this was the Ogbomoso Marathon held on Saturday, which embodied themes of resilience, homecoming, and collective ambition.

Economic Vibrancy Fueled by Cultural Celebration

The carnival’s influence permeated daily life throughout the city. Markets thrived with activity, hotels reported full bookings, transport services extended their routes and hours, and local vendors, craftsmen, and performers experienced a surge in patronage. In this context, culture became a dynamic economic driver, directly benefiting the community’s livelihood.

Blending Tradition with Modernity: Royal Ceremonies and Youth Engagement

Traditional games, golf competitions, and youth-centered programs seamlessly intertwined with regal ceremonies. The Odun Oole Oba festival, which united the five ruling houses, alongside the installation of new chiefs-such as Dr. Saka Balogun as Balogun of Ogbomosoland and Professor Adesola Adepoju as Asiwaju of Ogbomosoland-attracted dignitaries and returning natives to the palace, reinforcing the bond between governance, tradition, and community cohesion.

Ajilete Day: A Celebration of Music, Dance, and Communal Joy

The emotional crescendo of the carnival was Ajilete Day, when Ogbomoso’s streets erupted in dance, music, and theatrical performances. The Oyo State Cultural Troupe shared the stage with contemporary artists, turning public spaces into vibrant arenas of shared pride, laughter, and cultural expression.

Voices of Leadership: Unity and Cultural Revival

Political and community leaders echoed the festival’s spirit. Senator Buhari Abdulfatai hailed the carnival as a living testament to unity and cultural confidence, while Professor Adepoju observed that many indigenes, long absent, were returning home, deeply moved by the event’s scale and meticulous organization.

“Cradles” as a Symbol of Enduring Greatness

During the grand finale at the township stadium on Monday, Oba Ghandi eloquently explained the significance behind the carnival’s name, “Cradles.” He emphasized Ogbomoso’s role as a birthplace of art, music, values, courage, entrepreneurship, and creativity-forces that continuously nurture greatness.

“This carnival reminds us that we are more than just a city. We are a cradle of excellence,” the monarch proclaimed. “A cradle of music, art, dance, innovation, enterprise, values, dreams, and boundless potential. From these cradles, greatness was born, and from these same cradles, greatness will rise anew.”

A Call to Action: Building on the Legacy of Forebears

Oba Ghandi framed the carnival as both a celebration and a catalyst for a cultural and economic revival in Ogbomoso. Reflecting on the sacrifices of ancestors, he challenged the current generation to leverage today’s opportunities with greater determination.

“Our forefathers achieved so much with so little. If they stood tall against adversity, shall we falter in the face of ours?” he posed. “Ogbomoso’s rise will not be by wish alone, but by our collective action.”

The monarch stressed that unity, diligence, and shared responsibility are essential to reclaiming Ogbomoso’s former glory. He urged youths, professionals, traders, artisans, and farmers to see themselves as architects of a new era, calling on Ogbomoso’s diaspora-from Lagos and Abuja to Accra, London, and Houston-to return, invest, and champion cultural projects.

“Together, we embody Ogbomoso-a name that commands respect wherever it is spoken,” he affirmed, framing the carnival as a summons to transform heritage into prosperity.

Socio-Economic Impact and Future Prospects

Supporting the monarch’s vision, Hon. Olusegun Dokun Odebunmi, Chairman of the Planning Committee, highlighted the festival’s tangible benefits to Ogbomosoland’s socio-economic landscape.

“This festival has undeniably boosted our local economy. Streets, markets, hotels, artisans, transporters, and entertainers have all experienced positive impacts,” he stated, noting that the carnival now attracts visitors, investors, and international attention to Ogbomoso and Oyo State.

Odebunmi encouraged investors to tap into the region’s rich agricultural and tourism resources, spotlighting crops like mangoes, cashews, and cocoa. He expressed hopes for an agro-industrial revolution that would add value by processing these raw materials locally.

Renewal Through Cultural Connection

Professor Adesola Adepoju, Asiwaju of Ogbomosoland, described the Cradles Carnival as a potent force for reconnection and rejuvenation. He noted the unprecedented scale of participation in the second edition, which rekindled emotional and cultural ties among many who had been away for years.

He emphasized the need to expand infrastructure and venues to accommodate growing interest in future editions. Beyond cultural celebration, the carnival has opened new avenues for commerce, tourism, and investment, while fostering a renewed sense of unity and pride among Ogbomoso’s global community.

Government Endorsement and Cultural Diplomacy

Prince Dotun Oyelade, Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, remarked on the carnival’s rapid evolution from a local festivity to an event of national and international significance. Similarly, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, praised the monarch and planning committee, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to cultural initiatives that stimulate economic growth.

A Lasting Legacy: Ogbomoso’s Cultural and Economic Resurgence

For many attendees, the carnival was more than a celebration-it was a profound awakening. As the final drumbeats faded and the crowds dispersed, one message resonated clearly: Ogbomoso is on the rise once again, propelled by culture, unity, and a community rediscovering the transformative power of coming home.