By: Femi Emmanuel
Preparations have commenced for the third edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival, a five-day cultural celebration scheduled to hold from December 17 to 21, 2026, with activities designed to promote Ogbomoso’s rich cultural heritage, strengthen community unity, empower young people and boost tourism.

The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Hon. Odebunmi Olusegun, announced the programme during a world press conference held on Tuesday at the palace of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, the Soun of Ogbomosoland.
The carnival, which was conceived as part of the Soun’s 25-year development agenda for Ogbomosoland, seeks to position the ancient town as a leading destination for cultural tourism, investment and community development.
According to Odebunmi, the 2026 edition represents another milestone in the ongoing efforts to celebrate Ogbomoso’s identity, promote unity among its people and showcase its cultural heritage to national and international audiences.
“The beauty of our culture is in our diversity, but the strength of our culture is in our unity,” he said, emphasising the importance of collective participation by sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland in preserving and promoting their heritage.
FIVE DAYS OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Unveiling the programme of activities, the committee chairman disclosed that the carnival would feature traditional performances, sporting competitions, religious activities, cultural exhibitions, musical entertainment, intellectual engagements and other attractions.
Day One: Thursday, December 17, 2026
The opening day will feature the Ogbomoso Cycling event (Gran Fondo), with participants expected to undertake the Iseyin–Ogbomoso route, alongside the arrival of guests and exhibitions of local cuisine, arts and crafts at the palace.
The formal opening ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m. at the Soun Ogunlola Arena. Other attractions include traditional hunters’ displays, Bata acrobatic dances, Ijala performances, Egungun displays and musical entertainment.
Day Two: Friday, December 18, 2026
Activities at the Ogbomoso Palace will include special Islamic prayers at 9:00 a.m., the installation of chieftaincy titleholders at 10:00 a.m., Jumat service at 1:00 p.m., Odun Oole at 4:00 p.m. and musical entertainment at 6:00 p.m.
Day Three: Saturday, December 19, 2026
The third day will focus on sports, competitions and entertainment, beginning with the Ogbomoso Marathon Race at 7:00 a.m. at Ogbomoso High School.
The Oba Ghandi Golf Tournament will tee off at 9:00 a.m. at the Ogbomoso Recreation Club, alongside indoor games, including chess, Scrabble, Ayo Olopon and table tennis.
The grand finale of the pre-carnival contests is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at the palace, followed by musical entertainment at 6:00 p.m.
Day Four: Sunday, December 20, 2026
The day’s programme will include a thanksgiving service marking the third anniversary of Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye’s coronation at noon at the Ogbomoso Palace Arena.
A book launch and public presentation will follow at 2:00 p.m. At the same time, a sensitisation and training programme for persons with autism is scheduled to hold at Oladunni Hall, Ogbomoso Palace.
The day will conclude with a musical concert and awards night at 4:00 p.m. at the palace.
Day Five: Monday, December 21, 2026 — Ajilete Day
The grand finale will take place at Soun Stadium, with the arrival of guests, clubs and associations scheduled for 9:00 a.m., followed by Ajilete Day activities at 11:00 a.m.
The programme will also feature the expected arrival of the Executive Governor of Oyo State and traditional homage-paying to the Soun by various groups, clubs and associations before the formal closing of the carnival.
CULTURAL HERITAGE AS A TOOL FOR DEVELOPMENT
Reflecting on the journey so far, Odebunmi said the carnival was established through the vision of the Soun of Ogbomosoland to provide a platform for celebrating the town’s history, traditions and cultural identity while creating opportunities for tourism, investment and economic advancement.
He noted that Ogbomoso possesses considerable cultural and tourism potential, including its historical heritage, traditional festivals, indigenous cuisine, artistic talents and the hospitality of its people.
According to him, the carnival is gradually becoming an annual event that residents, visitors and indigenes in the diaspora can anticipate as an opportunity to reconnect with their roots and contribute to the development of their hometown.
He expressed confidence that the 2026 edition would further strengthen Ogbomoso’s cultural identity and attract visitors from different parts of Nigeria and beyond.
CALL FOR PARTNERSHIP AND SUPPORT
The committee chairman acknowledged the support received from the Oyo State Government, the Federal Government, relevant ministries and agencies, corporate organisations, sponsors, community leaders and individuals who believe in the vision of the carnival.
He particularly commended the Soun for his commitment to the cultural advancement of Ogbomosoland and the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Wasiu Olatubosun, for his consistent support and contribution to the success of the previous editions.
Odebunmi also called on more corporate organisations, private investors and business owners to partner with the organisers, describing the carnival as an opportunity to promote brands, connect with communities and contribute to local economic development.
He urged sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland, both at home and abroad, to participate actively in the event and support initiatives aimed at preserving their cultural heritage.
“No matter where life has taken you, your roots remain in Ogbomoso. This carnival is calling you back home. Distances may keep us apart, but culture brings us home,” he said.
SECURITY AND HOSPITALITY
The Central Planning Committee also acknowledged the efforts of the Federal and Oyo State governments towards strengthening the security architecture in Ogbomosoland.
Odebunmi said the committee was engaging hospitality operators, hotels, restaurants, transport providers and other service providers to prepare for the expected influx of visitors during the carnival.
He stressed that adequate preparation, security and hospitality would be essential to ensuring a safe, enjoyable and memorable experience for participants.
COMMITMENT TO A LASTING LEGACY
Reaffirming the committee’s commitment to the success of the event, Odebunmi said the organisers were determined to build on the achievements of the first two editions and establish the carnival as a lasting cultural institution for future generations.
He maintained that sustained collaboration among the traditional institution, government, the private sector and the people would be crucial to expanding the carnival’s reach and developmental impact.
The chairman concluded by expressing appreciation to the Soun of Ogbomosoland, the Oyo State Government, sponsors, partners, members of the media and all supporters of the initiative.
He called for collective commitment to making the 2026 edition bigger, better and more beneficial to Ogbomosoland.
The Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival 2026 is scheduled to hold from December 17 to 21, with the organisers inviting residents, indigenes in the diaspora, tourists, investors and cultural enthusiasts to participate in the five-day celebration.
SIGNED:
Hon. Odebunmi Olusegun
Chairman, Central Planning Committee
Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival 2026
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