The Oyo State government has announced that 156 associations and groups have so far registered to participate in the grand finale of the 2025 World Egungun Festival.
The two-day festival, which will hold at the main bowl of the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan on 15 and 16 May, 2025, will draw attendants from the Republic of Benin and Brazil, among others.
The state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, made the disclosure while speaking at the launching of a song series, Hakuna Matata and a book, Yoruba Kan: Isokan Ninu Orirun, by world-renown art curator, Prince Tunde Odunlade.
He said arrangements and preparations were in top gear to ensure that the festival is successful without any hitch.
“The 2025 World Egungun Festival transcends Oyo State and even Nigeria. It is about the exhibition of the rich Yoruba cultural heritage which has spread far and beyond the shores of our country.
“The festival is set to showcase our culture and tradition. We want to show the entire world that the Yoruba race is the custodian of culture,” he said.
According to the commissioner, dignitaries from across the globe would be in attendance at the even, including the Mayor of Port Novo, Benin Republic who is coming on a courtesy visit purposely for the Egungun Festival and even from Brazil.
“I am glad to announce to you of the preparation for and the readiness of the Oyo State government to host the 2025 World Egungun Festival.
“The festival is going to be epochal. There would be a symposium at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan on 15 May, 2025.
“Grand finale of the 2025 edition of the egungun festival would be taking place at the famous Liberty Stadium on 16 May.
“156 associations and groups have so far registered to participate at the festival. They are coming with different attires to make it a carnival. One of the associations would be exhibiting African hairstyle parade at the event.
“We are expecting the festival to be a gathering of a large crowd. We working towards hosting between 30,000 and 40,000 people at the full-capacity stadium.
“Adequate security and personnel arrangements have been made to take care of the day. There would be enough space for everyone that would be present at the festival to operate without any hitch or incident.
“We want to show the world that the Yoruba race is the custodian of the rich African culture. According to our highly-revered baba, Professor Wande Abimbola, 98 per cent of egungun that are domiciled in Brazil originated from the states in the South-West.
“The continue existence of Yoruba culture lies with us. But I can assure you that Yoruba culture cannot die. The US is interested in learning the Yoruba culture, knowing that there is somethin about it that would be beneficial in the future.
“We should continue to work to promote our culture and tradition. Yorubaland will continue to grow. Yoruba people and every home will stand united in peace,” Dr Olatunbosun added.
