Soun announces date for commencement of 2026 Egungun festival in Ogbomoso

Khalid ABRAHAM

The Palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland has announced that the 2026 Egungun Annual Traditional Festival will commence on Wednesday, July 8, and end on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

The announcement was made on Monday during a gathering of Egungun worshippers at the ancient Palace of Ogbomoso under the authority of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III.

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The delegation of worshippers, which formally requested the date for the commencement of the annual festival, was led by High Chief Oyeniyi Ojewumi, the Oniyaku; Chief Ojedapo Ajamu of Ile Ago, Taraa, Ogbomoso; and Chief Abayomi Akalaifa of Ile Akalaifa, Masifa, Ogbomoso.

The date was subsequently announced on behalf of the monarch by the Soun-in-Council.

Speaking during the gathering, the Areago of Ogbomosoland, High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin; the Onipakiotan of Ogbomosoland, High Chief Oyetunji Ojo; the Alabaa of Ogbomosoland, High Chief Ayankayode Ayanpoju; and other members of the Council of Chiefs advised worshippers to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the festival period.

The chiefs urged adherents of the traditional religion to avoid any act capable of causing violence or disrupting public peace during the celebration.

They also called on the worshippers to perform the necessary traditional rites and sacrifices for the peace, security and progress of Ogbomosoland, especially in view of the prevailing security challenges facing parts of the community.

According to the Council of Chiefs, worshippers should remain committed to activities that promote the wellbeing of the land and contribute to communal harmony.

The council further warned that anyone who is not a member of the Egungun fraternity but attempts to cause trouble or create unrest during the festival would be held accountable for such actions.

It urged residents to promptly report any individual or group attempting to breach the peace to relevant law enforcement agencies.

The statement concluded with prayers by the Soun-in-Council and members of the Council of Chiefs for a peaceful and successful celebration as well as continued unity, prosperity and security across Ogbomosoland.