We’re on divine mission to transform Ogbomoso, Soun declares, as minister, commissioner, traditionalists light up Cradles Carnival

We’re on divine mission to transform Ogbomoso, Soun declares, as minister, commissioner, traditionalists light up Cradles Carnival

Yinka ADETUNJI

The Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, has declared that he’s on a divine mission to transform Ogbomosoland.

The monarch who made this solemn disclosure at the opening session of the maiden edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival held at Ogunlola Hall, Oja’gbo, Ogbomoso, earlier today, also reaffirmed his dedication to the development and prosperity of the zone.

Highlighting his 25-year development agenda as a divine assignment (from God), Oba Olaoye emphasized that the carnival was conceived to unite the people and advance the zone’s economy.

“This 25-year development agenda is a vision from God. It is not my personal agenda but what God wants to accomplish through us in Ogbomoso. Ignore any distractions; my focus remains solely on achieving this vision for development,” the monarch said.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for his support and to the federal ministry of culture, tourism, and creative economy for adopting the carnival as a recognized cultural event in the southwest.

The minister for culture, tourism, and creative economy, Hannatu Musawa, commended the initiative. Represented by the special adviser to the president on job creation, Hon. Abiola Abdulraheem, she urged the monarch to sustain efforts to promote the zone’s cultural heritage.

In similar vein, Oyo state commissioner for culture and tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, praised Oba Olaoye’s commitment. “This is my first time attending a cultural event in Ogbomosoland, and I am thoroughly impressed,” he said, as he advocated “unity and cooperation to form the bedrock of development in the land.”

The chairman of the organizing committee, Mr. Williams Adeleye, described the event as a milestone in Ogbomosoland’s history. “The Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival is more than a celebration; it is a vision to unite us, boost economic development, and position Ogbomosoland on the global cultural and tourism map,” he noted.

Attendees were treated to exciting moments with a copious showcase of the zone’s rich cultural heritage. Local delicacies slipping into extinct such as sakada and agbon, sapala, igbalo, orepotuyi, robo, atunu,tobopo, adalu, popondo, ikete, kengbe, eku atu and others like ekuru and eko, amala and gbegiri and so on were on display. This one came up at the palace grounds.

Also, vibrant cultural performances by Egunguns like Ajomogbodo, Akala-Ifa, Arigba-aso-tesun, Omo tuntun, Wokere, Adegboloro, Orebe Ile Agọ and Omoyanran, as well as by performing magicians including the ageless America Wonder and Hausa Doba, lit up the carnival. This is as T-Flavour (Ododo Èmi), Hockey Rain (Ọmọ Ogbo Ogbomoso Owo Loke), Kerekere Ode (Ijala), Ayankunle Onibata, Temidayo (Hip Up), and so on also performed.

Thousands of people witnessed the exhilarating event including former military governor of Oyo and Ogun states, Gen. Oladayo Popoola (rtd); wife of former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo state, Chief Mrs. Kemi Alao-Akala, traditional rulers, high chiefs, government representatives, and cultural enthusiasts, most who expressed satisfaction with how the programme unfolded.

“It is worth it, to think this is the first ever organized festival event in Ogbomoso and it turned out this way is commendable,” an eyewitness, Mr. Adekunle Ayoade, an Ibadan-based Ogbomoso indigene, disclosed, while speaking with ogbomosoinsightonline,com. “I am impressed, it will become better. I salute Oba Ghandi, his chiefs and other traditional rulers, the organizing committee and all Ogbomoso residents who heartily support the initiative, I can sniff a turn around in the town. Truly, Oba Ghandi is God-sent.”

The programme continues tomorrow with Jumat prayer (in the palace), installation of Araba Oluawo of Ogbomosoland, Ole Oba festival and performances by local artistes.

SNAPSHOTS FROM THE EVENT