Soun explains meaning of 'cradle' in Ogbomoso Carnival, as Odebunmi hails participants, partners

Soun explains meaning of ‘cradle’ in Ogbomoso Carnival, as Odebunmi hails participants, partners

Femi OGUNLANA

Like play like play an all-inclusive cultural festival was flagged up in Ogbomoso Oyo state styled “Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival.” It remains a wonderful realisation of a long held dream by Ogbomoso indigenes all over the globe.

But why is the term “Cradles” injected into the name? Not a few have hazarded a guess. However, the trail blazer, the pathfinder, the creator of the carnival, its main soul, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III the Soun of Ogbomosoland, has given insights into why it is so called.

In his speech at the grand finale of the second edition of the carnival held Monday at the Ogbomoso Stadium, Oba Ghandi said the name “Cradles,” highlights the significance of the city as a source of art, music, values, enterprises, bravery, creativity etc, underlining they constitute inspiration to birthing greatness.

“This carnival reminds us that we are more than a city. We are a cradle of greatness. A cradle of music, art, dance, innovation, enterprise, values, dreams, and limitless potential,” Oba Ghandi asserts. “Today, we celebrate, but more importantly, we proclaim to the world that from these cradles, greatness was born and from these same cradles, greatness shall rise again.”

He prided that the carnival embodies the potentials and souls of Ogbomoso people prophetically declaring the agglomerate shall ride on its wave to rise again.

He therefore charged the patriots of the land to be committed and emulate their progenitors whom he noted had less in terms of opportunities and resources but went beyond their means to foster greatness.

“Our forefathers looked upon an uncertain land and declared, ‘We will build.’ They planted courage. They watered unity. They nurtured discipline. And from their sweat emerged the Ogbomoso we proudly call home.

“But I ask you today: If our fathers built with less, why can’t we build more with all we have today? If they stood tall against challenges, shall we bow to ours? If they carried Ogbomoso in their hearts, will we not carry her in our hands?”

The paramount ruler expressing confidence and joy the carnival has the potentials of starting a cultural economic renaissance in Ogbomoso now declared, “Today, my heart heats with pride. Today, our land stands still once more as we celebrate the 2nd Edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival, a festival born from our heritage, fueled by our creativity and sustained by the unbreakable spirit of our people. Look around you! The colours… the drums… the dancers… the energy… Today, the heartbeat of Ogbomoso is on full display.”

He assured the festival is a movement whose vehicle would provoke rebirth of the city. “When we gathered for the first edition, we planted a seed. Today, we witness a rising movement echoing from every hamlet, every compound, every heartbeat within our great kingdom. This is not just a carnival… This is a rebirth.”

The Oba who loves to trumpet the Ogbomoso heritage of bravery added, “Ogbomoso is the land of warriors, brave in heart, wise in strategy, rich in culture, and generous in spirit. Our history was not written with ink alone, but with courage, resilience, and unity.”

He stressed the communities making up Ogbomoso have the people who can kindle fire of development and sustain it, contending the spirit exhibited in the carnival is convincing enough that Ogbomoso would witness a rebirth.

“My people, if ever you doubted the potential of our homeland, look around you now:

“Look at our youth -vibrant, gifted, unstoppable. Look at our entrepreneurs – bold, creative, visionary. Look at our culture – alive, radiant, and resilient.”

He further noted, “This carnival is more than entertainment. It is a call. A call to rise for Ogbomoso… To contribute your talent, your influence, your resources, your ideas. We must build a city the world will point to and say: ‘Here is a people who transformed heritage into prosperity.’ Let every dancer, every performer, every vendor, every spectator carry one message home: Ogbomoso is moving forward, and each of us must rise with her. Yes, this carnival is a celebration. But it is also a call:

“To speak our language proudly.To uphold our traditions boldly. To teach our children that their roots are strong, rich, and noble. To support our traders… Empower our artisans. Encourage our youths… And transform Ogbomoso into a centre of trade, tourism, creativity, and opportunity. Because when we stand alone, we are individuals… But when we stand together, we are Ogbomoso, a name that carries honour wherever it is spoken.”

He also asked rhetorically, “Shall we allow our heritage to fade? No. Shall we watch opportunities pass us by? No. Shall we rise and build the Ogbomoso of our dreams? YES!! And we begin now, together.”

He however pointed out the only way for Ogbomoso to rediscover its greatness is for the present generation to contribute and harness their resources, capabilities and so on to its progress and to be hardworking, emphasizing that dreaming of Eldorado without working assiduously for its achievement will make it elusive.

“My sons and daughters, hear me clearly: Ogbomoso will not rise because we wish it. Ogbomoso will rise because we rise. Every farmer tending the land… Every trader shaping the market… Every student dreaming of tomorrow… Every artisan preserving our culture… Every professional carrying our name with honour… You are all builders of the new Ogbomoso.”

The monarch wants the present generation to create a legacy that would make the future generations of Ogbomosos be proud and excited. “So today, I charge you: Rise for our land. Rise for our future. Rise for our name. Rise for the generations yet unborn who will one day say, ‘They built well for us.’ Let this carnival awaken a fire within us. A renewed pride, a burning passion, a firm commitment to lift Ogbomoso higher. Because hear this: When Ogbomoso rises, the world must pay attention.”

He encouraged the younger generation to see the need to accept the challenge of making the push for the desired change.

“To the young men and women of Ogbomosoland, you are the light of this new era. Your creativity is our pride. Your energy is our engine. Your dreams are the blueprint of our tomorrow. Step forward. Shine boldly. This land is your stage.”

Appreciating all partners, sponsors, and supporters “whose belief has turned vision into reality,” he prayed and declared, “You have sown into the soil of our culture, your harvest shall be abundant.’

His concluding remark was solemn, directed at his subjects all over the world. “And to all our sons and daughters across the world in Lagos, Abuja, Accra, London, Houston, and beyond, Ogbomoso calls you home. Your roots are here. Your story began here. Your legacy must speak here. Join hands with us, support our festivals. Invest in our land. Let us build a future that honors our ancestors and inspires our children.

“As we celebrate, let this carnival remind us that unity is our greatest strength. When we dance together, dream together, and build together, there is no limit to what Ogbomoso can become.

“Let this be the dawn of a new chapter – a chapter of cultural revival, economic growth, youthful innovation, and communal pride.

“My people, let your hearts be joyful. Let your feet dance freely. Let your voices rise boldly. Today, we celebrate not just a carnival, we celebrate Ogbomoso. We celebrate our identity. We celebrate our collective future.

“May the blessings of our ancestors rest upon this land.

“May peace reign in every household.

“And may Ogbomoso continue to shine as the cradle of culture, courage, and endless possibilities.”

Corroborating the Soun chairman of the planning committee Hon Olusegun Dokun Odebunmi affirmed the carnival had provided a platform to triggering socio-economic development of the city.

“Without doubt, this festival has brought immense socio-economic benefits to Ogbomosoland and its environs. Our streets, markets, hotels, artisans, transporters, entertainers, and various service providers have all felt the positive impact of this celebration.

“This carnival is not just an event it is a platform that attracts visitors, investors, and global attention to Ogbomoso and Oyo State at large.”

He urged investors to explore the vast potentials of Ogbomosoland in agriculture, tourism and natural resources

“You are well aware that Ogbomoso is blessed with vast natural and tourism potentials.

“Our agricultural produce – mango, cashew, cocoa are some of the finest in the global market. Our aspiration is to kick-start an industrial revolution that will process these raw materials into high-quality finished products right here on our soil, rather than exporting them in their raw form. With the right support, Ogbomoso can become a hub of agro-allied industries and cultural tourism in Nigeria,” Odebunmi remarked.

“On this note on behalf of our motivational leader Soun of Ogbomosoland l hereby extend our sincere invitation to investors across the globe for good investment on our land.”

Popularly known as Bunvic Odebunmi expressed gratitude to all participants including cultural groups from across Ogbomosoland, he appealed for unity and support. “Seeing our people adorned in colourful indigenous attires evokes a deep sense of unity – one of the core aims of this carnival. Let’s join forces with the captain of our ship, togetherness breeds peace and accelerates progress. Let the unity we celebrate today go beyond matching outfits; let it reflect in our actions, decisions, and genuine commitment to the development of Ogbomosoland.”

The former chairman of Surulere local government expressed confidence “that next year’s edition will be bigger, better, and even more impactful.’