By By: Aderohunmu Abdulrokeeb and Ogundare Oluwatayo
The World Egungun grand finale day was celebrated at Obafemi Awolowo Liberty stadium, Ibadan on Saturday, May 2nd 2026. The celebration featured masquerade festival, different groups with different attires, music performances and the presence of dignitaries.
The Royal Father of the day, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewolu Ladoja, Olubadan of Ibadan land, was ably represented by the High chiefs in Ibadan land, the Governor of Oyo state, Eng. Seyi Makinde was ably represented by the secretary to the state governor, Professor Musbaudeen Babatunde. Association of Tree felling Machine operators, Egbe Alaso-Ofi oje market Ibadan, Nigerian Beauticians/Hairdresser Association, Oyo state chapter, Yoruba Ni mi group, Egbeda local government Egbeda, Ibadan, Ogbomoso North local government, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Edo indigenes in Ibadan among others graced the occasion.
There were masquerade performances where they assigned eight minutes to display their show. Eegun Aso, Eegun Asoro, Eegun Apade, Eegun mẹta from Iseyin, all the Eegun Alare from Iseyin, Eegun ọ̀jẹ̀ parapọ̀ from Iseyin, Ina yọ dúdú from Iseyin, Egungun pensioner from Igbo ora, Soroko from Kishi all performed at the World Egungun Festival day.
On behalf of the Olubadan of Ibadan land, his representative extended his appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for upholding Yoruba culture, he emphasised that the culture of the land keeps progressing and not retrogressing. He further cited examples from abroad where they celebrate Ajẹ day. He noted that no one is in the position to judge who will enter hell or paradise but everything lies in God’s hands, “our character will determine one’s position” he added. He extended his appreciation to the Commissioner of culture and tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, he lauded him and pray for him for planning the great event. He strongly advised the Mogaji in Ibadan land to tighten the security of their communities.
Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, the commissioner for culture and tourism emphasized that the groups that were present weren’t given any monetary gift before gracing the occasion. He emphasized that before ten years, the UNESCO would be interested in the festival, making it an intangible event. He appreciated the planning committee, the Governor of Oyo state and strongly advised that Yoruba culture should be upheld in high esteem. He opinionated that World Egungun festival will be a celebration for life with the support of everyone.
The representative of the governor, Professor Musbaudeen Babatunde, relayed the message of the governor that he promised to keep supporting culture, even after his tenure as the governor of Oyo state, his support will be in a continuum. He noted that people should not allow our culture and traditions to be forgotten. We should all propagate our culture all around the world. “There’s a need to enhance and deepen the activities of our culture” he added.
