The Oyo State Government has unveiled plans to transform Yoruba cultural heritage into a global economic asset, announcing 2026 World Egungun Festival as a strategic vehicle for income generation, cultural preservation, and international acceptability.
The State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, disclosed the plan during a press conference at the Cultural Centre, Mokola, Ibadan.
He said the state is aligning with present global demands to repackage the Egungun tradition in a way that attracts tourists, investors, and sponsors while safeguarding its ancestral roots.
The 2-day festival, scheduled for May 1 to May 2, 2026, is a joint initiative of the Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Adayeba Culture Tourism Foundation, The Sahara Centre, Ìjọ-Ọ̀jẹ̀ Parapọ̀ Welfare Association Worldwide, and the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan.
The festival opens May 1 with a symposium at the Secretariat, Ibadan, by 10:00 a.m, where Sahara Centre and the Institute of African Studies will host over 10 scholarly presentations on the Egungun phenomenon.
In her goodwill message, representative of Sahara Centre, Omobolanle Shebanjo, said the symposium addresses “tradition, tension, and transformation” as Egungun encounters the digital world and global audiences.
She added that documentation is critical to ensure the culture is preserved authentically as it scales globally.
Professor Sola Olorunyomi of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, noted that Egungun’s relevance extends beyond ritual into modern creative industries.
He appealed for public support for the success of the festival that will feature Egungun displays, traditional cuisine, music, and brand exhibitions.
According to the organizers, over 18,000 participants and attendees, including Deputy British High Commissioner, diplomats, UNESCO representatives, traditional rulers, international tourists, and professional associations would grace the festival.
Governor Seyi Makinde will serve as Special Guest of Honour alongside Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hannatu Musawa, while Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, would double as Royal father and Chairman of the occasion.
