The Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, on Thursday led the management team of the Ministry in a stakeholders’ briefing and interactive session ahead of the 2026 World Egungun Festival scheduled for May 1st and 2nd.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Finance and Planning Conference Room, had in attendance the Governor’s representative and over thirty groups and associations, including representatives of Araba Ile Ibadan, Jagunjagun Ile Ibadan, Baales, Egede tribe, artisans, traders and other traditional bodies.
The session focused on informing stakeholders of expectations and responsibilities for the forthcoming festival, while also welcoming their questions, observations and contributions. Deliberations centred on feedback from the 2025 edition and practical steps to ensure that the 2026 festival is better coordinated, more inclusive and globally appealing.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Olatubosun emphasized the need to clearly distinguish culture from religion, noting that while Egungun embodies both elements, stakeholders are primarily concerned with promoting its rich cultural and entertainment value. “There is culture as well as religion and we do not want our religion to spoil our culture. The area where we can promote Oyo State is to properly package the entertainment aspect and sell it to the whole world,” he stated, adding that custodians will handle the spiritual component while government focuses on promotion and organization.
The Commissioner further added that Commissioners for Culture and Tourism across other states have been duly notified, while all Ministries in the state have been formally written to, with reminders to be sent as the event draws closer. He assured stakeholders that this year’s festival will not only attract large crowds but dignitaries of high repute, including foreign media from about fifteen countries, while the number of spectacular masquerades on display will significantly increase.
In his remarks, the Acting General Manager of the Ministry, Mr. S.A. Agboola, commended the unwavering support of the various groups and associations over the years despite minor shortcomings. He described the crisis-free hosting of previous editions as a remarkable achievement by the Oyo State Government, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and all stakeholders, in line with international expectations.
At the end of the meeting, representatives of the groups pledged maximum cooperation and assured the Ministry of their readiness to participate in large numbers, adorned in colourful uniforms, to make the 2026 World Egungun Festival a resounding success.