The Oyo State Government has commenced preparations for the 2026 World Egungun Festival, with the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatubosun, leading a high-level stakeholders’ briefing and interactive session in Ibadan.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Finance and Planning Conference Room, brought together more than thirty groups and associations drawn from traditional institutions, cultural bodies and community-based organisations. Among those represented were Araba Ile Ibadan, Jagunjagun Ile Ibadan, Baales, members of the Egede tribe, artisans, traders and other custodians of Yoruba cultural heritage.
The session focused on outlining expectations, defining responsibilities and strengthening collaboration ahead of the festival scheduled for May 1 and 2, 2026. Discussions also reviewed lessons from the 2025 edition, with stakeholders offering practical suggestions on logistics, crowd management, publicity, security coordination and cultural presentation to ensure the upcoming event is more structured, inclusive and globally competitive.
Addressing participants, Olatubosun stressed the importance of clearly distinguishing between the cultural and religious dimensions of the Egungun tradition. He noted that while the Egungun institution embodies both spiritual and cultural elements, the government’s primary interest lies in promoting its heritage, artistic and entertainment values as tools for tourism development and economic growth.
He explained that traditional custodians would continue to manage the spiritual components in accordance with established customs, while the state government would focus on organization, promotion and international marketing of the festival. According to him, properly packaging the festival’s cultural appeal would enhance Oyo State’s visibility on the global tourism map.
The commissioner disclosed that Commissioners for Culture and Tourism in other states have been formally notified of the event, and relevant ministries within Oyo State have also been engaged to ensure inter-agency collaboration. He added that follow-up reminders and coordination meetings would intensify as the festival date approaches.
Olatubosun further assured stakeholders that the 2026 edition would attract significant local and international attention. He revealed that foreign media organisations from about fifteen countries are expected to cover the event, while the number of masquerades and participating cultural troupes would increase to deliver a more colourful and dynamic spectacle.
In his remarks, the Acting General Manager of the Ministry, S.A. Agboola, commended stakeholders for their sustained cooperation in previous editions. He described the largely peaceful and crisis-free conduct of past festivals as a testament to effective collaboration between the government, traditional institutions and community groups.
He emphasized that maintaining order, discipline and unity among participating groups would remain critical to meeting international standards and preserving the integrity of the festival.
At the close of the meeting, representatives of the various associations pledged their full support for the 2026 festival. They assured the ministry of their readiness to mobilise members in large numbers, adorned in colourful traditional attire, to showcase the depth and vibrancy of Yoruba heritage.
The World Egungun Festival is widely regarded as one of the most prominent cultural celebrations in southwestern Nigeria, drawing tourists, researchers and cultural enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. With early preparations underway, the state government says it is determined to deliver an edition that not only preserves tradition but also strengthens tourism, community pride and economic opportunities for residents.
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