The Oyo State Government has announced that over 18,000 participants, including prominent dignitaries, are expected to attend the 2026 World Egungun Festival, emphasising the growing global appeal of the state’s cultural heritage.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the event, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, said the festival reflects the success of the state’s deliberate investment in tourism.

He noted, “Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to tourism development has begun to yield positive results, with cultural tourism drawing massive attention to Oyo State.”

He further emphasised the broader significance of the festival, stating, “The festival will provide the state with an opportunity to showcase the Egungun culture, safeguard our ancestral roots, and serve as a strategic vehicle for income generation, cultural preservation, and international acceptability.”

Olatunbosun explained that since its launch in 2024, the festival has continued to build momentum in promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people both locally and in the diaspora. “It has sustained the desired momentum of projecting the age-long heritage and cultural values of the indigenous Yoruba people,” he added.

The two-day festival, slated for May 1 and 2, 2026, is a joint initiative involving the Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Adayeba Culture Tourism Foundation, The Sahara Centre, Ìjọ-Ọ̀jẹ̀ Parapọ̀ Welfare Association Worldwide, and the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan.

According to the Commissioner, activities will begin with a symposium on May 1 at the Local Government Service Commission Building in Agodi, Ibadan. “The symposium will feature over 10 scholarly presentations bordering on the Egungun phenomenon,” he said.

The grand finale on May 2 will showcase a rich line-up of cultural displays. “There will be exhibitions and performances of spectacular and magical Egungun, both local and international, alongside cultural parades, traditional cuisine, Fuji music, and a showcase of Nollywood and other artistic talents,” Olatunbosun disclosed.

In her goodwill message, Barrister Omobolanle Osenbanjo of The Sahara Centre highlighted the evolving relevance of the tradition, noting, “The symposium will address the creative economy of Egungun tradition, its tensions, and transformation as it encounters the digital world, global audiences, and the terrain of global commercialisation.”

She described Egungun culture as deeply significant, adding, “It is a cornerstone of Yoruba spirituality, expressing the depth of ancestral relationships, communal identity, and enduring cultural practices.” She also called for greater recognition of its potential, stating, “This is a call to action to see Egungun as a living, evolving system capable of contributing meaningfully to economic growth, social cohesion, and global cultural dialogue.”

Also speaking, Professor Sola Olorunyomi of the Institute of African Studies stressed the modern relevance of the tradition. “Egungun’s relevance extends beyond ritual into modern creative industries,” he said, while appealing for public support to ensure the festival’s long-term success for future generations.

The press conference attracted key government officials, cultural stakeholders, and traditional leaders, all reaffirming their commitment to making the 2026 edition a landmark cultural event. (TRIBUNE)