The Oyo State Government has officially unveiled its plans for the 2026 World Egungun Festival, with expectations of over 18,000 participants, including cultural practitioners, tourists, and notable dignitaries. The announcement was made by the state's Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, during a media briefing in Ibadan.
Festival Details and Objectives
Dr. Olatunbosun emphasized that the festival is part of Governor Seyi Makinde's ongoing efforts to boost cultural tourism and preserve indigenous heritage. He stated that the event will provide an opportunity to showcase the Egungun culture, safeguard ancestral roots, and serve as a strategic vehicle for income generation, cultural preservation, and international recognition.
The two-day festival is scheduled for May 1 and 2, 2026. It is a joint initiative involving the state's 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 (UI).
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, starting at 10:00 a.m. The Sahara Centre and the Institute of African Studies will host over ten scholarly presentations focusing on the Egungun phenomenon. The grand finale on May 2, 2026, will feature exhibitions and performances of spectacular and magical Egungun, both local and international, along with cultural parades, traditional cuisine, Fuji music, and showcases of Nollywood and other artistic talents.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Omobolanle Osenbanjo, representative of The Sahara Centre, Lagos, delivered a goodwill message, noting that the symposium will address the creative economy of Egungun tradition, tension, and transformation as it encounters the digital world, global audiences, and commercialisation. She described Egungun culture as a cornerstone of Yoruba spirituality, expressing the depth of ancestral relationships, communal identity, and cultural practices.
Professor Sola Olorunyomi of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, highlighted that Egungun's relevance extends beyond ritual into modern creative industries. He called for support to ensure the festival's success for the benefit of future generations.
