The Oyo State Government in Southwestern Nigeria has intensified preparations for the 2026 World Egungun Festival.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, has accepted to serve as the Royal Father and Chairman of the globally recognised festival, pledging his full support for the cultural programme.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the monarch in Ibadan, where the Ministry’s management team formally invited him to chair the festival.
He said the visit was also to appreciate the Olubadan’s consistent support for the Ministry’s programmes, even before his ascension to the throne, describing the monarch as a strong cultural ambassador whose influence would further elevate the festival’s prestige.
Olatubosun stated that significant improvements have been made ahead of the 2026 edition to address concerns raised by the Olubadan during the 2025 festival.
He revealed that about 10 countries and over 100 groups and associations already indicated interest in participating in the festival in their colourful uniforms.
The commissioner affirmed that the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has pledged attendance at the 2026 festival.
Olatunosun said: “We want Ibadan to become a major tourist destination and a cultural hub that the world will continually reckon with.”
In his response, the Olubadan accepted the invitation and assured the delegation of his presence and support for the programme.
Meanwhile, as part of broader preparations for the festival, the Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, also held a strategic meeting with leaders and key members of the Ijo Oje Parapo Welfare Association across various local government areas in the state.
The meeting, held at the Town Hall in the palace of the Akibio of Ilora, was aimed at strengthening collaboration and consolidating preparations for the 2026 World Egungun Festival, while addressing concerns raised after previous engagements.
Dr Olatubosun explained, at the meeting, that the renewed prominence of the Egungun Festival has continued to attract international attention, including Brazil, as the diaspora reconnects with the authentic custodians of the tradition in Oyo State, expressing optimism that with sustained efforts and proper packaging, the festival could secure UNESCO recognition within the next six years.
He said: “We want to promote the entertainment and tourism potential of the festival to the world, but it is important that we take ownership of it and preserve its authenticity.”
Also, the acting General Manager of the Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr S.A. Agboola, appreciated the elders and members of the association for their cooperation, particularly during the 2025 edition, which he described as mutually beneficial.
Agboola stressed the cultural and spiritual significance of the Egungun Festival, noting that Egungun stands prominently alongside Sango in traditional worship and community participation.
He noted: “You may not yet fully realise the value of the World Egungun Festival, but it stands out since its take-off in 2024 and has become a unifying traditional festival.”
Agboola said the Ministry has been deliberate in reshaping misconceptions previously associated with the festival, particularly concerns about disorder and insecurity, assuring stakeholders that the issues raised at earlier meetings would be addressed.
Members of the Ijo Oje Parapo Association who spoke at the meeting called for a more organised environment for the 2026 edition and requested representation on the festival planning committee, which was approved.