The Oyo State Government has stepped up preparations for the 2026 World Egungun Festival, intensifying efforts to secure royal blessings and broad-based support for what is expected to be a landmark cultural event. The move underscores the state’s commitment to elevating indigenous traditions and positioning its cultural heritage on the global stage.
As part of these efforts, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, led a high-level delegation on a courtesy visit to Oba Adebayo Akande. The visit was aimed at appreciating the monarch’s unwavering support for previous editions of the festival and to formally seek his continued backing for the upcoming celebration.
During the visit, Olatunbosun highlighted key components of the 2026 festival, noting that it would feature a well-structured symposium alongside a grand cultural showcase. These events are designed to deepen intellectual engagement with Yoruba traditions while also providing a vibrant platform for cultural expression.
He further disclosed that the grand showcase would take place at Liberty Stadium, where participants from across Nigeria and the global Yoruba diaspora are expected to converge. The event is anticipated to draw tourists, scholars, and culture enthusiasts, thereby boosting the state’s cultural tourism profile.
The Commissioner reiterated the government’s resolve to promote and preserve Yoruba heritage through strategic initiatives. According to him, ongoing efforts are being made to ensure that the World Egungun Festival gains wider international recognition and becomes a flagship cultural attraction.
In his response, Oba Akande expressed gratitude for the visit and commended the government’s dedication to cultural development. He pledged his full support for the festival and offered prayers for its success, emphasizing the importance of unity and tradition in sustaining the rich cultural identity of the Yoruba people.
