Buhari, Sunday Dare, Maigida, Prince Felix, Akin Onigbinde, LMJ, Onireti, Twindad, Gran Fondo, over 150 societies light up Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival (PHOTOS)

Buhari, Sunday Dare, Maigida, Prince Felix, Akin Onigbinde, LMJ, Onireti, Twindad, Gran Fondo, over 150 societies light up Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival (PHOTOS)

Femi OGUNLANA

It was another memorable sensational occasion – Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival 2025. It lived up to and even beyond the hype; kudos to His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III the Soun of Ogbomosoland, the planning committee headed by Hon Olusegun Dokun Odebunmi, and all Ogbomosos and partners for the remarkable staging of the festival. It definitely was “bigger and better” in terms of organisation and attendance as pre-event vaunted.

Oba Ghandi with Buhari

“This is two times bigger than last year’s edition,” an excited Olawale Yusuf told ogbomosoinsightonline.com. “l was here last year, it wasn’t as massive as this. It is an exciting moment. You can count more than 50 clubs and societies in attendance. God bless Oba Ghandi, l am for peace and unity. I stand with him. We need to come together for the development of our motherland. We should not allow differences in religions and origins to divide us.”

The event witnessed parades by societies and groups with members beautifully adorned in well cut Aso Oke and other beauty ornaments and accessories, and paying homage to the Soun, performances by various cultural groups, Egunguns and individuals, music by classical Raymond King, Ododo Emi, inspiring speeches and so on. From two horses galloping with elegance last year, not less than five made gallant appearance this year. And unprecedentedly a customised sport car showed up to partake in the parade/homage paying ceremony.

People came to witness the outstanding spectacle from all over the world to celebrate the culture and the spirit of Ogbomoso.

Among the culture enthusiasts at the occasion were Dr Abdulfatai Buhari (Senator representing Oyo North senatorial district); Chief Sunday Dare, the Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland (Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media); Dr. Samson Adegoke a.k.a. Maigida (Chairman of Maigida Foundation); Hon Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala (representing Ogbomoso North, South and Oriire federal constituency); Prince Dotun Oyelade, Oyo state Commissioner for Information; Hon Biso Oyewo Michael (representing Ogbomoso North state constituency); Prince Felix Akande (a former chairman of Ogbomoso South local government); Hon Olufemi Onireti (Chairman of Onireti Foundation); Dr Kunle Adegbite (Chairman of Twindad Foundation); Mr. Adebayo Majolagbe (creator of Ogbomoso Gran Fondo Cycling race); Dr Akin Onigbinde SAN (a former Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly); Hon George Ogunlade (Chairman of Ogbomoso North local government); Aare Atanda Owodunni (Aare Musulumi of Ogbomosoland); Prince Gbadamosi Jimoh Muideen Erolaye (a contestant to the throne of Onijeru); Ayantokun Ayandeji (member of Tobalase Lagos); traditional rulers and chiefs too numerous to mention; among other dignitaries.

Clubs included Bobakeye Group, Maigida Group, Egbe Tobalase Group Ogbomoso and Lagos and Ogbomoso, O’First Group, Ogbomoso Pivotal Group Lagos, Ojulowo Omo Oko Ogbomoso Group, Ogbomoso Indigenes in Gombe, Egbe Omo Ogbomoso Parapo Agbaaye Home Headquarters and from other zones, Ajilete Group Ibadan, Femi Onireti Group, various family houses, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) etc. A Fulani group also came to savour the moment.