The Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun; the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Babalola; the General Manager Council of Arts and Culture, Mr. Adekunle Agboola; and other members of the management team paid a courtesy visit to the Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland and Chairman/Founder of Splash FM 105.5, Lagelu FM, and West Midland Open University, HRM Oba Adebayo Akande, MFR, in preparation towards this year’s International Egungun Festival.
The visit was to express gratitude to the elder statesman for his steadfast support to the ministry, Adayeba Culture-Tourism Foundation, and other stakeholders during the 2025 World Egungun Festival.
It also aimed at soliciting his continued support for this year’s edition, particularly in the area of media coverage before, during, and after the programme.
The commissioner said, “We are preparing for the third edition of the World Egungun Festival scheduled for May 1st and 2nd, 2026.
Activities lined up include a symposium on May 1st in collaboration with the Adayeba Foundation, Sahara Center and Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, and the grand finale at Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, where Yoruba natives from within and outside Oyo State will gather to enjoy the entertainment aspect of Egungun.”
Olatubosun emphasised that the ministry, in conjunction with the Adayeba Culture-Tourism Foundation, Sahara Center, the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, and the Ijo Oje Parapo Welfare Association, Worldwide, aims to showcase to the world the richness of Yoruba culture and its practices.
He further noted that UNESCO is particularly interested in community-based festivals, hence the sustained efforts being made to ensure that the World Egungun Festival is enlisted for global recognition.
In his response, the Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Adebayo Akande, MFR, appreciated the honour bestowed on him and his throne, expressing gratitude for the visit.
He said, “A mother carries a child with open arms,” referencing a Yoruba proverb, and assured the delegation of his full support by God’s grace.
He also promised to provide all necessary assistance as requested and offered prayers for a successful outing.
The Commissioner later presented an award to Oba Akande as a 2025 World Egungun Festival Ambassador, along with a documented report of the previous event.
Packaged by Temitayo Afolabi
