It’s not information that Ogbomoso hosted the second version of its Cradles Carnival 2025, attracting indigenes from throughout Nigeria and the diaspora for a five-day cultural and socio-economic competition in December.
The occasion, held on the Soun Ogunlola Township Stadium, featured over 100 indigenous socio-cultural associations that paraded in conventional attires to pay homage to the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III.
Actions started on Thursday, December 19, with cultural rites, exhibitions of native delicacies, masquerades and conventional drumming.
A serious spotlight of the carnival was the 170-kilometre Grand Fondo biking tour from Ogbomoso to Iseyin, all in Oyo State, and again, coordinated by a United States–primarily based Ogbomoso’s son, Adebayo Majolagbe, with over 100 cyclists taking part. The Ogbomoso Marathon additionally held throughout the carnival.
The competition recorded elevated {economic} actions throughout the city, with lodges totally booked, markets experiencing elevated patronage, and transport operators extending working hours. Meals distributors, artisans and entertainers additionally benefited from the inflow of indigenes and guests.
Conventional video games, golf tournaments and youth-focused actions have been held alongside royal ceremonies. The Odun Oole Oba competition, which unites the 5 ruling homes of Ogbomoso, and the set up of latest chiefs, together with Dr. Saka Balogun as Balogun of Ogbomosoland and Professor Adesola Adepoju as Asiwaju of Ogbomosoland, amongst others, additionally happened throughout the carnival.
Ajilete Day featured avenue performances, music and cultural shows by the Oyo State Cultural Troupe and up to date entertainers.
Talking on the grand finale on Monday, December 22, 2025, Oba Ghandi defined the philosophy behind the competition’s nomenclature, “Cradles”, describing Ogbomoso as a supply of artwork, music, values, bravery, enterprise and creativity.
“This carnival reminds us that we’re greater than a metropolis. We’re a cradle of greatness,” the monarch defined.
“A cradle of music, artwork, dance, innovation, enterprise, values, desires and limitless potential. From these cradles, greatness was born, and from these similar cradles, greatness shall rise once more.”
He described the carnival as a motion for cultural and {economic} renewal, urging collective duty.
“Our forefathers constructed with much less. In the event that they stood tall towards challenges, lets bow to ours?” he requested rhetorically. “Ogbomoso won’t rise as a result of we want it. Ogbomoso will rise as a result of we rise.”
Calling on indigenes at house and within the diaspora to help improvement efforts, the monarch mentioned unity remained important.
“Once we stand collectively, we’re Ogbomoso, a reputation that carries honour wherever it’s spoken,” he mentioned.
Chairman of the 2025 Ogbomoso Cradles Competition Planning Committee, Hon. Olusegun Dokun Odebunmi, mentioned the competition had already begun driving socio-economic improvement in Ogbomosoland.
“No doubt, this competition has introduced immense advantages to Ogbomosoland. Our streets, markets, lodges, artisans, transporters and entertainers have all felt the impression,” he mentioned.
He added that the carnival now serves as a platform to draw guests and traders to Ogbomoso and Oyo State at giant, urging funding in agriculture and tourism.
Equally, the brand new Asiwaju of Ogbomosoland, Professor Adesola Adepoju, described the carnival as a catalyst for reconnection and renewal, noting unprecedented participation throughout the second version.
In keeping with him, the rising scale of the competition requires expanded amenities and venues, because it has opened new {economic} alternatives whereas strengthening unity amongst Ogbomoso folks.
Oyo State Commissioner for Info and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, mentioned the carnival had grown from a neighborhood celebration into an occasion of nationwide and international relevance.
Commissioner for Tradition and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, additionally recommended the organisers and reaffirmed the state authorities’s help for cultural initiatives.
Extra Photographs Under:
