Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival as symbol of commonwealth ideology - 'it will outlive us'

Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival as symbol of commonwealth ideology – ‘it will outlive us’

Fatai ADEWUYI

The Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival, an initiative of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomoso, has historical antecedents as reflected in the title of this piece. The main idea behind the carnival is to bring unity among the diverse people of Ogbomoso and showcase the town, ultimately resulting in economic growth and enrichment of the people. Hitherto, there had never been a convergent point for unity in Ogbomoso. Thus, the potentials and endowments of the town were never fully explored or showcased. So, there is the need to look for a convergent point to explore and showcase these natural endowments holistically and collectively. Therefore, a common ideology must be sought and this finds expression in the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival as inaugurated by that visionary and proactive Oba Ghandi Olaoye. The Cradles Carnival is to serve as a convergent point, once every year, to bring all sons and daughters of Ogbomoso together, both at home and diaspora, to felicitate and showcase their talents for the growth and development of their town Ogbomoso.The need for a common ideology is to cement unity and a binding spirit of togetherness as found in the ancient town of Dahomey with a perforated pot as their symbol of common ideology, believing that all hands must be put together to block the perforated pot from leaking!

Another example of symbol of common ideology is found among the people of ancient Asante Empire (in Ghana), which had the Golden Stool. It welded the Asantes together during their ancient great kingdom.

Similarly, Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival as a unifying force will bring us together as one and bind us together as people with common aims and aspirations despite our political and religious diversity. The carnival started last year, 2024 amid grandeur and the second edition comes up this December 2025. It is fast approaching and grand prep works are ongoing. Though some enemies of the town want to sabotage the event by carrying fake news of insecurity. This cannot work as the carnival will outlive many of them. They better join the moving train if they don’t want to be dragged along or get crushed by the moving train of success and progress, driven by that God-given Oba Ghandi Olaoye.

Let us identify with the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival as our symbol of common ideology. May God spare our lives to witness this December’s and many more ahead. May we live to enjoy its benefits as well as the generations unborn. Aamin.

Alhaji Adewuyi (Olla Balm) is CEO, Atmecs.08130851574.