Festivals

Ladoja to chair 2025 world egungun festival in Ibadan

Published

1 year ago

May 12, 2025

Former Oyo State Governor and Otun Olubadan of Ibadan land, Rashidi Ladoja, has accepted the invitation to chair the forthcoming 2025 World Egungun Festival, a significant cultural event

The former Governor of Oyo State and the esteemed Otun Olubadan of Ibadan land, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, is set to preside over the highly anticipated 2025 World Egungun Festival.

Also read: 2024 Egungun/Fuji/Amala Festival: Government targets economy prosperity

This announcement was made by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, during a recent courtesy visit to Chief Ladoja at his residence in Ibadan.

Dr. Olatunbosun stated that the primary purpose of the visit was to formally inform the respected traditional leader of the Ministry’s plans and to seek his consent to chair this year’s significant cultural celebration, while also requesting his royal blessings for the event.

The Commissioner highlighted the global significance of the World Egungun Festival, noting that it “remains a significant cultural showcase that draws participants and visitors from around the globe.”

The festival is a vibrant display of Yoruba heritage and tradition, attracting cultural enthusiasts and participants from far and wide.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism reiterated its unwavering commitment to the promotion of cultural values, fostering unity, and boosting tourism through prominent events such as the Egungun Festival. They expressed their anticipation for a successful and impactful celebration under the leadership of Chief Ladoja.

On behalf of the Ministry, Dr. Olatunbosun conveyed deep appreciation for Chief Ladoja’s warm reception and his willingness to play a pivotal role in the cultural event, which is poised to celebrate the rich heritage and enduring traditions of the Yoruba people.

In response to the Ministry’s invitation, Chief Rashidi Ladoja graciously accepted the honour of serving as the Chairman and Royal Father of the Day for the grand celebration of the 2025 World Egungun Festival.

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OLOJO….Ile Ife’s September Gift To Culture

Published

2 weeks ago

October 5, 2026

Mariam Balogun

By Halima Adaba,

It was a featubal if the people. It was for the anciebt town of Ile Ife, which the Yoruba race refards as the Source.

Also read: Olojo Festival 2026: Ooni Urges Leaders to Prioritise Citizens

And ut was a festivsl for the King, Arole Oduduwa, Oonirisa, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

And so between September 24 and 28th 2026, the annual featuval dazzjed in all its white glory.

Tge Monarch paid the traditional ancestral homage and offered propitiation as part of the sacred rites of the Olojo Festival.
It was a powerful expression of Yoruba heritage, spirituality, and enduring tradition.

Call it a collection of beautiful moments, faces, colours and cultural expressions.

Every frame tells a story.

Every face carries the energy.

Every moment keeps the heritage alive.

Undoubtedly one of the most sacred cultural celebrations in Ilé-Ifẹ̀. It marked a day associated with creation, thanksgiving, ancestral heritage, and the sacred appearance of the Ooni of Ife wearing the revered Aàrẹ crown.

There were also the devotees of the famed god of thunder – Sàngó who were hardly conspicuous at the festival.

Many other traditional groups came out with candor, showing a powerful expression of Yoruba cultural identity, spiritual devotion, and respect for the ancient traditions of Ilé-Ifẹ̀.

Devotees of Sàngó bekieved the ‘appearance’ of the god of thunder on Seotember 26th could be understood as a symbolic meeting of ancestral heritage, spiritual devotion, and the celebration of creation.

It was a moment when the sounds of drums, chants, and traditional praise poetry brought the history of the Yoruba people to life.

Although Olojo is closely associated with Ogun, the god of iron, and the sacred traditions of Ile-Ife, the presence of Sàngó devotees reflected the rich diversity of Yoruba spiritual heritage.

Also read: Olojo Festival 2026: Ooni Urges Leaders to Prioritise Citizens

As a participant enthused at the festival, “To witness Sàngó Olúkòso emerge on Olojo Festival day is to witness a living expression of history, identity, and ancestral pride.”