2025 Cradles Carnival: No cause for alarm, Ogbomoso safe, peaceful, Soun declares

Image caption: The Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III

2025 Cradles Carnival: No cause for alarm, Ogbomoso safe, peaceful, Soun declares

Yinka ADETUNJI

The Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III has declared that Ogbomoso remains a safe and well secured haven, asserting the city and its neighbouring communities have always been a protected place and would continue to be.

This declaration is coming against the backdrop of a narrative of insecurity characterized by kidnapping in the face of the second edition of the carnival scheduled to hold between December 18 and 22.

“The Palace of Ogbomosoland, through the Office of the Special Assistant on Media and Community Relations, wishes to inform the public that the ancient city of Ogbomoso remains peaceful, stable, and fully prepared ahead of the Ogbomoso Cradle Carnival 2.0, scheduled to run from 18th to 22nd December 2025,” it is stated in a press release signed by Rev’d Peter Olaleye, the Special Assistant on Media and Community Relations to the monarch.

The release titled, “Ogbomoso remains peaceful as city prepares for Ogbomoso Cradle Carnival 2.0,” and obtained by ogbomosoinsightonline.com, further asserted, “His Imperial Majesty, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye Orumogege III, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, from the sacred Office of the Kabiyesi, reaffirms that Ogbomoso continues to enjoy an atmosphere of calm, unity, and security. As the carnival approaches, security structures established by the Palace remain proactive and vigilant.”

The paramount ruler informed the security committee he set up composing of experts and crack security personnel, is not relenting and has got the security situation under wraps, emphasizing top notch security framework is on ground.

“The Security Committee, instituted by Kabiyesi and led by noble, respected professionals from Nigeria’s security services, has further strengthened the city’s readiness for the festive season. Their strategic operations have helped maintain the peace and stability Ogbomosoland is widely known for.”

Oba Olaoye thus encouraged all who had planned to attend the festival to remain confident and not be scared away by the narrative of insecurity.

“The Palace therefore assures all invited guests, tourists from the diaspora, visitors from across Nigeria, and neighbouring towns that there is no cause for alarm. Ogbomoso stands firm as a beacon of peace and hospitality. The city is safe, vibrant, and fully prepared to host the world for this year’s carnival.”