The Oyo State government has announced that more than 18,000 participants and notable dignitaries are expected to attend and actively participate in the 2026 World Egungun Festival. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, during a press conference held ahead of the event.
Governor's Commitment to Tourism
Dr. Olatunbosun highlighted that Governor Seyi Makinde's dedication to tourism development is yielding positive results, with cultural tourism drawing significant attention to Oyo State. He emphasized that the festival will serve as a platform to showcase Egungun culture, preserve ancestral roots, and act as a strategic tool for income generation, cultural preservation, and international recognition.
Origins and Growth of the Festival
The festival was initiated by the Oyo State Government in 2024 and has maintained momentum in projecting the age-long heritage and cultural values of the indigenous Yoruba people and those in the diaspora. The two-day event, scheduled for May 1 and 2, 2026, is a collaborative effort 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.
Symposium and Grand Finale
The festival will commence with a symposium on May 1, 2026, at the Local Government Service Commission Building, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, at 10:00 a.m. The Sahara Centre and the Institute of African Studies will host over 10 scholarly presentations focusing on the Egungun phenomenon. The grand finale on May 2, 2026, will feature exhibitions and performances of spectacular and magical Egungun from both local and international participants, cultural parades, traditional cuisine, Fuji music, and showcases of Nollywood and other artistic talents.
Creative Economy and Global Dialogue
Barr. Omobolanle Osenbanjo, representative of the Sahara Centre, Lagos, delivered a goodwill message noting that the symposium will address the creative economy of the Egungun tradition, including tensions and transformations as Egungun encounters the digital world, global audiences, and commercialization. She described Egungun culture as a cornerstone of Yoruba spirituality, expressing the depth of ancestral relationships, communal identity, and cultural practices. She called for recognition of Egungun as a living, evolving system with potential to contribute to economic growth, social cohesion, and global cultural dialogue.
Academic Perspective
Professor Sola Olorunyomi of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, remarked that Egungun's relevance extends beyond ritual into modern creative industries. He appealed for public support to ensure the festival's success for the benefit of future generations.
Attendees at the Press Conference
The press conference was attended by several dignitaries, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju; Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture, Prince Salawu Yusuf; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Rotimi Babalola; the Araba Olu Isese of Ibadan, Chief Omikunle Egbelade; and the Baba of Yoruba Language, among others.
