Cultural identity is the essence of who we are, shaped by our values, beliefs, traditions, and history. As people from diverse backgrounds interact, their cultural identities intersect, overlap, and fuse together, giving birth to new expressions, traditions, and identities.
This fusion creates a vibrant cultural landscape, characterized by diversity, innovation, and community. Cultural identity is a living, breathing entity, constantly being negotiated and redefined, shaping our individual and collective identities; these were the spectacles experienced at the week-long maiden edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival.
However, the ancient city of Ogbomosoland came alive as the Cradles Carnival climax in a grand finale on Monday, December 23, 2024. The cultural fiesta, which began on Thursday, December 19, celebrated the rich heritage of Ogbomosoland, leaving a lasting impression on both participants and spectators.
The Cradles Carnival is creating a new cultural tourism destination for tourists and carnival lovers to rally and engage during the festive season as the year come to an end.
The venue for the grand finale, the Soun Ogunlola Stadium was a vibrant showcase of traditional splendour, as indigenous societal groups and associations donned their finest ofi attires and Ankara fabrics, creating a kaleidoscope of colors.
The event featured electrifying performances by renowned artists, including Alhaji Ramoni Akanni RK1 and Saheed Akorede (popularly known as Osupa), alongside spectacular masquerade displays and cultural presentations by the Oyo State cultural troupe. These captivating performances left audiences in awe, cementing the event as an unforgettable celebration of Ogbomoso’s cultural legacy.
Speaking at the event, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye (Orumogege III), expressed his delight at the carnival’s success. He commended the organisers, participants, and spectators for their contributions, emphasising the importance of preserving Ogbomoso’s cultural heritage for economic growth and unity.
In his remarks, the carnival committee chairman, Mr. Williams Adeleye, stated: “As we come together for this grand finale, let us remember that our culture is not just a reflection of our past but also a beacon for our future. It invites us to embrace our uniqueness while celebrating our shared values of love, unity, respect, and compassion.”
Throughout the five days, the carnival showcased a variety of captivating activities, from traditional dances and music to sporting events and culinary exhibitions. It celebrated the vibrancy of Ogbomoso’s traditions, uniting generations and reaffirming the city’s status as the cradle of Yoruba cultural civilization.
Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, praised Oba Ghandi for his visionary efforts in promoting culture and tourism. He described the carnival as a fantastic initiative that fosters unity and economic development within Ogbomosoland. “This impressive outing has shown that our quintessential monarch is fully prepared to move Ogbomoso forward,” he remarked, commending traditional rulers and stakeholders for their support.
Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Wasiu Olatubosun, who has been actively involved in the festival from its inception, described the Cradles Carnival as a groundbreaking initiative. He highlighted its potential to drive growth, rapid development, and elevate Ogbomosoland onto the global stage of culture and tourism.
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Hon. Olatubosun commended Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye for his visionary leadership and the carnival committee for organising such a remarkable event—the first of its kind in Ogbomoso. “This initiative will not only unite our people but also attract significant attention to our cultural heritage. I am confident that subsequent editions will be even more spectacular,” he stated, urging stakeholders to provide greater support for the monarch’s vision.
Other dignitaries, including Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, Hon. Olamiju Ayodeji Alao Akala, Hon. Sunday Makanjuola, and Hon. George Ogunlade, praised the monarch’s leadership and pledged their continued support for the annual event and other developmental projects.
In addition to high chiefs and traditional rulers, over 50 clubs and associations from within Ogbomoso and the diaspora paid homage to Oba Ghandi, reinforcing the success of the carnival as a symbol of unity and cultural pride.
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