By Summary
- Ibadan hosts the second World Egungun Festival at Liberty Stadium.
- Highlights include masquerades, Fuji music, and an Amala contest.
- Oyo State seeks UNESCO recognition and greater Yoruba unity.
Ibadan, Nigeria – May 14, 2025
The city of Ibadan is once again at the heart of cultural celebration as the second edition of the World Egungun Festival was flagged off today with workshops and symposiums at the Ministry of Local Government Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan
The vibrant two-day event, running until May 15, brings together traditional masquerade displays, indigenous music, and authentic Yoruba cuisine in a dynamic showcase of heritage and unity.
Celebrating Tradition, Promoting Tourism
The festival builds on the success of its inaugural edition held on July 11, 2024, at the Race Course, Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan. It is organised to celebrate the significance of Egungun in Yoruba cosmology, serving as a symbol of ancestral reverence, spiritual continuity, and community identity.
Masquerades from all 33 local government areas in Oyo State are participating in the colourful parade of costumes, chants, and traditional dances that draw enthusiastic crowds from across the region and beyond.
Fuji Music and Amala Cuisine Take the Stage
In true Yoruba fashion, the festival goes beyond masquerade displays, featuring performances by leading Fuji and Apala musicians, alongside emerging artists, in a rich soundscape rooted in indigenous rhythms.
A culinary competition highlighting the famed Amala dish will add flavour to the occasion, as local chefs and vendors compete for the title of Best Amala Vendor in Oyo State.
Honouring Yoruba Icons
As part of the celebration, the Oyo State Government continued its commitment to preserving cultural legacies by recognising key figures in Yoruba arts.
Last year, late Fuji maestro Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister was posthumously honoured—a tradition the state aims to uphold annually to spotlight culture bearers.
UNESCO Recognition in View
Oyo State’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, reiterated the state’s drive to reposition the Egungun festival for global relevance. He disclosed that steps are being taken to have the festival listed as an internationally recognised cultural heritage by UNESCO.
“The World Egungun Festival is not just a celebration; it is a powerful tool for tourism, education, and cultural diplomacy,” he stated.
Fostering Unity Across Yorubaland
The World Egungun Festival is also serving as a rallying point for cultural unity across Yoruba-speaking regions. Organisers hope to expand participation to other Yoruba states in coming editions, positioning Ibadan as a central hub for cultural tourism in Nigeria and across the diaspora.
As the second day approaches, the energy in Ibadan remains electric, with thousands expected to troop to Liberty Stadium tomorrow for the grand finale.
