By Femi Emmanuel
The annual Egungun Festival in Ogbomoso has, for generations, stood as a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people. Celebrated every July 18, it is more than a traditional spectacle; it is a homecoming that unites families, welcomes indigenes from across Nigeria and the diaspora, strengthens communal bonds, and offers prayers for peace, prosperity and progress in Ogbomosoland.
Sadly, this year’s celebration ended in tragedy. What ought to have been a peaceful cultural festival was disrupted by violence allegedly perpetrated by hoodlums who took advantage of the gathering to unleash mayhem. Instead of songs, dances and traditional rites, the ancient city witnessed fear, confusion and the painful loss of a human life.
This unfortunate incident is not merely an attack on traditional worshippers; it is an assault on the cultural identity and peaceful coexistence of Ogbomoso. No society can preserve its heritage if those who gather to celebrate their customs are subjected to intimidation, violence or death.
It is particularly disturbing that the violence occurred despite repeated appeals by the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, and several prominent sons and daughters of the town. They had urged residents, especially those with no connection to the traditional rites, to stay away from the celebration and avoid actions capable of causing unrest. Unfortunately, those wise counsels were ignored.
The recurring pattern of violence during traditional festivals raises serious questions. Why do some misguided youths exploit cultural celebrations to foment trouble? Why should adherents of indigenous religion be denied the constitutional right to practise their beliefs peacefully? Every religion and cultural group deserves equal protection under the law. Traditional worshippers should not become targets simply because they are observing customs handed down through generations.
Beyond the loss of life, the disruption has also inflicted economic and reputational damage on Ogbomoso. Festivals such as the Egungun celebration attract tourists, researchers, traders and visitors whose presence stimulates local businesses and showcases the city’s cultural richness. Violence discourages investment, tourism and cultural exchange while projecting Ogbomoso in an unfavourable light.
Community leaders, traditional institutions, religious bodies, youth organisations and security agencies must work together to ensure that future festivals are conducted in a peaceful atmosphere. Security should be proactive rather than reactive, while those responsible for this year’s violence must be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done if confidence in public safety is to be restored.
The youths of Ogbomoso must also remember that they are custodians of the city’s future. They should channel their energy towards promoting peace, preserving the community’s enviable cultural heritage and contributing meaningfully to development rather than allowing themselves to be used as instruments of violence.
Culture is the soul of every people. Once it is attacked or neglected, history gradually fades and identity is diminished. Ogbomoso must never allow intolerance, lawlessness or criminality to destroy traditions that have endured for centuries.
The Egungun Festival should remain what it has always been—a celebration of heritage, unity and peaceful coexistence—not a theatre of violence and bloodshed. The time has come for all stakeholders to rise above religious prejudice, respect one another’s beliefs, and protect the cultural values that define Ogbomosoland. Only then can the ancient city continue to command the respect and admiration it deserves.
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