By Richard Thomas
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), National Museum of Unity, Aleshinloye, Ibadan, Oyo State, is set to host the second edition of its World Folklore Day and Recognition of Yoruba Culture Custodians and Promoters, in a bid to celebrate, preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
The programme is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at the Alado Hall of the National Museum of Unity, Aleshinloye, Ibadan.
The event, according to the Deputy Director of Education at the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, Dr. Olatunde Caroline Oluyemi, is designed to provide a platform for the celebration of Yoruba culture, customs, traditions and those who have distinguished themselves in the preservation and promotion of the heritage.
Dr. Oluyemi disclosed that the 2026 edition would be conducted as a strictly Yoruba-speaking cultural event, stressing that the initiative was aimed at strengthening appreciation of indigenous language, traditions and cultural values among present and future generations.
She explained that the programme would feature a wide range of traditional and cultural activities, including folklore exhibitions, folktales, oral poetry, traditional dancing and drumming, traditional music, traditional hairstyles competition, traditional dressing competition and traditional cuisine, among other activities.
According to the Managing Curator of the museum, Mrs Oriyomi Pamela Otuka, who also doubles as the zonal coordinator of South Western museums, the event is expected to attract cultural enthusiasts, traditional rulers, captains of industry, cultural ambassadors, government representatives and other well-meaning Nigerians who share a commitment to the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
A major highlight of the programme will be the presentation of awards and recognition to distinguished traditional rulers and cultural heritage custodians who have contributed to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba culture.
Among those expected to be recognised are His Imperial Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola Akinyooye III, the Olufon of Ifon-Osun, Orolu Kingdom, Osun State; His Royal Majesty, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama (CON), the Olowu of Kuta Kingdom; and His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Josiah Olanrewaju Ilemobade Aina Ikuyamiku I, the Oloto of Oto-Awori Kingdom, Lagos State.
Others include His Royal Majesty, Oba Taofeek Iyiola Akande Morenigbade (Oyebiade I), the Olukoyi of Ikoyi Kingdom, Osun State;
His Royal Highness, Eludoja Olasoji Ajilesoro, Sooko Adimula and Obalufon of Ile-Ife; and Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, the Araba of Osogbo.
The Royal Father of the Day is expected to be the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I).
The programme will also have as its Matrons, Olori Bukola Ladoja, wife of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and P. Ambassador Iyalode Ifaseyi Olatunji-Aresa of the Aresa Dynasty, Ibadan.
Dr. Oluyemi emphasised the importance of preserving indigenous cultural practices, particularly at a time when younger generations are increasingly exposed to foreign cultural influences.
She noted that the World Folklore Day celebration would serve as an avenue to educate the younger generation about Yoruba history, language, customs, traditional arts and other forms of intangible cultural heritage passed down from one generation to another.
She said the inclusion of competitions and practical cultural displays was deliberate, as it would enable children, youths and adults to participate actively in the preservation of the heritage rather than merely observing cultural activities.
The Deputy Director added that the event would further provide an opportunity to recognise individuals and institutions that have continued to promote Yoruba culture and contribute to its sustainability.
The National Museum of Unity has, in recent years, organised programmes aimed at combining cultural preservation with practical empowerment and education. Its education unit has also been involved in indigenous textile training, including Adire, Batik and Eleko techniques.
The maiden edition of the World Folklore Day programme at the museum was held in August 2025 and featured traditional dressing, hairstyles, Ayo Olopon, Oriki recitation, drumming, dancing, oral poetry and folktales, with organisers stressing the need to prevent indigenous cultural practices from going into extinction.
The 2026 edition is therefore expected to build on that foundation by bringing together traditional institutions, cultural practitioners, scholars, government representatives and members of the public to celebrate Yoruba cultural identity.
The organisers have also announced Adire or Aso Oke as the dress code for the occasion, further underscoring the cultural character of the programme.
Dr. Oluyemi called on members of the public, cultural organisations, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to participate actively in the programme and support efforts aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage for future generations.
She expressed optimism that the second edition would be a memorable celebration of Yoruba folklore, language, tradition and cultural identity, while also creating greater awareness about the responsibility of individuals and institutions to preserve the nation’s intangible cultural heritage.
The programme is to begin at 10:00 a.m. prompt on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the Alado Hall, National Museum of Unity, Aleshinloye, Ibadan.
