Not a few spat at the first edition held last year over what was called a loose arrangement. The second edition of the World Egungun Festival hosted inside the main bowl of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (Liberty Stadium), Ibadan has, however, earned the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the organiser of the festival, an applause.
What used to be the pride of African sports, that is the stadium, became a stage where masquerades of multiple colours and shapes from Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Benin Republic paraded and danced. Also, musical performances by Ibeji, Rasheed Apala, Barrytide, Seaman dancers also featured in the stadium.
Chairman of the festival, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Maye Olubadan, Oloye Lekan Alabi, the Araba Awo of Osogbo, Chief Yemi Elebuibon, wife of the Oonirisa, Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi, Oyo State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Bayo Lawal, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ojo Abiodun and the President, Oje Parapo Worldwide, Prince Adeola Adelakun. These personalities and numerous others including social groups wearing colourful fabrics attended the festival.
In his capacity as representative of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, the Deputy Governor reiterated the administration’s continuous support to expanding the scope of culture and promoting culture and tradition to help the state in its drive to generate more revenues from cultural tourism and also boost its economy.
He noted that culture and tourism had been prioritised by the administration as one of the cardinal programmes under Omitutun 2.0 tagged Roadmap to Sustainable Development, 2023-2027.
He mentioned that the administration, in promoting diverse religious practices, declared every August 20th as Isese Day and also allowed religious freedom for everyone as guaranteed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He added that culture and tourism are inseparable all over the world, stressing that the Egungun Festival is one of the cultural heritages the state planned to leverage to boost its economy.
He said: “The display of culture here today has been very amazing. And, from this event, we can see that the government is promoting culture and tourism, because both are intertwined.
“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.
“In other developed climes, culture is enough to expand the economy of a state and, as a government, we will work towards making Egungun Festival to generate revenue for the state.
“We must not allow our culture to go into extinction and I am happy, because it is not only the old people that are here today. We can also see our youths here enjoying the moment. That is why we must continue to relive our culture.
“Let me also tell us that this government has been very lenient with people practising whatever religion they want. This government declared August 20th of every year as Isese Day, because we respect the freedom of religion. We do things according to the law of the land; we will never go against it.
“This is the second edition of this event and the Oyo State Government is highly joyous that masquerades from Benin Republic, as well dignitaries from Ghana, Brazil, Cuba and all parts of the world are here this afternoon.”
While commending all the stakeholders and different masquerades for their display and performances, he called on the organisers to focus more on areas of benefits so as to generate more revenues for the state.
In his remarks, Ladoja, who spoke through the Maye of Ibadanland, said the festival holds cultural and ancestral significance.
He offered special prayers for the continuous development, progress and prosperity of Ibadanland and Oyo State.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and the President, Oje Parapo Worldwide, lauded Makinde’s uncommon leadership and initiative in promoting culture and tourism in the state.
They both urged all stakeholders to support the state government and shun all vices and bad behaviours associated with masquerade’s festival.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, thanked Makinde for his unwavering commitment and support to the promotion of tradition and customs since the inception of his administration.
He noted that the state government has initiated moves to enlist the Egungun Festival in the UNESCO activities for recognition around the world, noting that this would further help to boost the economy of the state.
Olatunbosun equally appreciated associations, groups and individuals for their support, adding that the Yoruba race is the custodian of culture.
The event had in attendance traditional rulers, religious leaders, Head of Missions, Diplomatic Corps, and ambassadors, among others.
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