The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes on Saturday, April 18, hosted the grand finale of the 2026 Ibadan Cultural Festival at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Ibadan.
The annual festival, organised by the apex cultural body of Ibadan indigenes, celebrates the rich heritage of Ibadanland and the broader Yoruba culture. It serves as a unifying platform for cultural expression, community bonding, and the preservation of tradition.
This year’s edition featured a 13-day lineup of activities, culminating in the grand finale, with a thanksgiving service scheduled for Sunday at St. Peter’s Church, Oke Aremo. Activities leading up to the finale included the Ibadan Conference held on March 23, a visit to Lagelu Grove, homage to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Ibadan Youth Conference, among other engagements.
The event attracted prominent dignitaries from within and outside Ibadan. Among those present were the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Ladoja; the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; Senator Sharafadeen Alli; Senator Abdulfatai Omotayo; Mogaji Asimiyu Adepoju; Alhaji Lateef Gbadamosi; and Mrs Olayinka Ladoja, wife of a former governor.
Representing the Oyo State Governor, who was unavoidably absent, was the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde. Other government officials in attendance included Honourable Kazeem Adebiyi, Alhaji Gaafar Bello, and several representatives from the State Secretariat.
In his welcome address, the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Barrister Sulaimon Adeniyi, officially declared the event open and welcomed guests. Chairman of the 2026 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee, Chief Gbolagade Akere, highlighted the significance of the festival as a unifying force for Ibadan indigenes and visitors alike.
“This major event brings together sons, daughters, and friends of Ibadan to showcase our culture through fashion, music, and food,” he said.
The ceremony featured performances by various cultural groups, who paid homage to the Olubadan and high chiefs through procession matches, traditional dances, music, and cultural displays.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to individuals who contributed significantly to the growth of the council and the success of the 2026 festival. The awards were presented by the Olubadan himself, marking a fitting end to the cultural celebration.
