The ancient city of Ogbomosoland came alive as the maiden edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival was rounded off with a colourful grand finale on Monday, December 23, 2024.
The five-day cultural extravaganza, which began on Thursday, December 19, celebrated the rich heritage of Ogbomosoland, leaving a lasting impression on participants and spectators alike.
The maiden Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival was, indeed, a festival that showcased the culture of the people of Ogbomosoland a variety of events
The Soun Ogunlola Stadium venue of the grand finale was a vivid display of traditional splendour as indigenous societal groups and associations adorned their finest aso-ofi attires and ankara fabrics, creating a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours.
The event featured electrifying performances by renowned artists, including Alhaji Ramoni Akanni RK1 and Saheed Akorede (popularly known as Osupa), alongside spectacular masquerade displays and cultural presentations by the Oyo State cultural troupe.
The captivating performances left audiences in awe, cementing the event as an unforgettable celebration of the cultural legacy of Ogbomoso.
Speaking at the event, Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye (Orumogege III), expressed his delight at the success of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival.
He commended the organisers, participants and spectators for their contributions, emphasising the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of Ogbomoso for economic growth and unity.
In his remarks, Committee Chairman, Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival, Mr. Williams Adeleye, said: “As we come together for this grand finale, let us remember that our culture is not just a reflection of our past but also a beacon for our future.
“It invites us to embrace our uniqueness while celebrating shared values of love, unity, respect and compassion.”
Over the course of five days, the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival showcased a variety of captivating activities, from traditional dances and music to sporting events and culinary exhibitions.
It celebrated the vibrancy of Ogbomoso’s traditions, uniting generations and reaffirming the city’s status as the cradle of Yoruba cultural civilization.
Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, praised Oba Ghandi for his visionary efforts in promoting culture and tourism.
He described the carnival as a fantastic initiative that fosters unity and economic development in Ogbomosoland.
“This impressive outing has shown that our quintessential monarch is fully prepared to move Ogbomoso forward,” he said and commended traditional rulers and stakeholders for their support.
Culture and Tourism, Hon. Wasiu Olatunbosun, who actively participated in the festival from its inception, described the Cradles Carnival as a groundbreaking initiative.
The culturally-conscious commissioner highlighted its potential to drive growth, rapid development and elevate Ogbomosoland onto the global map of culture and tourism.
Olatunbosun commended Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye for his visionary leadership and the carnival committee for organising such a remarkable event—the first of its kind in Ogbomoso.
“This initiative will not only unite our people but also attract significant attention to our cultural heritage. I am confident subsequent editions will be even more spectacular,” he stated, urging stakeholders to provide more support for the monarch’s vision.
Other dignitaries, including Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, Hon. Olamiju Alao-Akala, Hon. Sunday Makanjuola, and Hon. George Ogunlade, lauded the leadership of the Soun and pledged their continued support for the annual event and other developmental projects.
In addition to the high chiefs and traditional rulers, over 50 clubs and associations from within Ogbomoso and the diaspora paid homage to Oba Ghandi, reinforcing the success of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival as a symbol of unity and cultural pride.
