Oyo Hosts 2025 World Egungun Festival Grand Finale, Eyes Global Recognition and Economic Gains

Summary

• Colourful 2025 World Egungun Festival holds grand finale in Ibadan with global dignitaries in attendance
• Oyo govt to enlist festival with UNESCO, aims to use culture to boost economy
• Makinde administration reiterates commitment to cultural preservation, religious freedom

Ibadan, Nigeria — The grand finale of the 2025 World Egungun Festival took place at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, drawing a massive crowd and global attention as the Oyo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to promoting culture and tourism as tools for sustainable development.

The event, which featured vibrant masquerade performances from across Yorubaland and beyond—including delegations from Benin Republic, Ghana, Brazil, and Cuba—was attended by traditional rulers, diplomats, religious leaders, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world.

Representing Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde at the event, the State Deputy Governor Barr. Bayo Lawal said the administration sees culture as a viable tool for economic growth and global engagement.

“What we have seen here today is extremely interesting, with the massive turnout, and this is one of the ways to use culture and tourism to drive the economy,” Lawal said. “We must not allow our culture to go into extinction… culture is enough to expand the economy of a state and, as a government, we will work towards making Egungun Festival generate revenue for the state.”

In line with the governor’s Roadmap for Sustainable Development 2023–2027 (Omituntun 2.0), the state has declared August 20th as Isese Day, an official holiday to honour practitioners of traditional religion, reaffirming its respect for religious diversity and freedom.

Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, praised Governor Makinde’s unwavering support, revealing efforts are underway to have the festival recognised by UNESCO.

“The state government has initiated moves to enlist the Egungun Festival in the UNESCO activities for recognition around the world,” he said.

The ceremony was chaired by Chief Lekan Alabi, who represented former governor and Ibadan high chief, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, offering prayers for the prosperity of Ibadanland and Oyo State.

Although the festival, originally billed for 10 am, kicked off at about 11 am due to light showers, the colourful procession of masquerades and spiritual blessings from Yoruba traditional leaders, including Baba Ifayemi Elebuibon, captivated the audience. However, some attendees noted the need for improved crowd control during performances.

Leaders from Osun, Ogun, Ekiti and cultural bodies across Yorubaland, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, represented by Queen Aderonke Ogunwusi, joined the celebration.

Prince Adeola Adelakun, President of Oje Parapo Worldwide, and Hon. Ojo Abiodun, Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, lauded the Oyo State Government’s “uncommon leadership” in driving cultural renaissance and urged communities to eschew negative behaviours often associated with masquerade events.

The festival marked its second edition under Governor Makinde’s administration, and with growing international interest, Oyo State appears poised to turn its cultural heritage into economic opportunity.