Olubadan to Chair 2026 World Egungun Festival as Global Interest Surges
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, has officially accepted the invitation to serve as the Royal Father and Chairman of the 2026 World Egungun Festival.
This announcement was made following a courtesy visit to the monarch’s residence by the Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, led by Commissioner Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun. The Olubadan pledged his full support for the international event, reinforcing the traditional institution’s commitment to elevating Ibadan’s cultural standing on the global stage.
The 2026 edition is set to be a significant expansion of the traditional festival, with over 200 masquerades expected to participate from both domestic and international locations.
Dr. Olatubosun revealed that more than 10 countries and 100 cultural groups have already indicated interest in the event, which is also expected to host the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa.
In response to feedback from the 2025 edition, organizers have introduced structural improvements to enhance visibility and logistics for attendees, aiming to transform Ibadan into a premier global tourist destination.
Beyond the administrative preparations, the Oyo State Government has initiated strategic collaborations with the Ijo Oje Parapo Welfare Association to ensure a disciplined and authentic presentation of the Egungun tradition.
During a meeting at the Akibio of Ilora’s palace, the Ministry addressed concerns regarding sanitation and security, while also approving the inclusion of association members in the central planning committee. This grassroots engagement is designed to correct historical misconceptions about the festival and promote its entertainment value while preserving its deep-seated spiritual integrity.
The growing international profile of the festival has caught the attention of the Yoruba diaspora, particularly in Brazil, leading to optimism that the event could secure UNESCO recognition within the next six years.
To ensure long-term sustainability, the government has encouraged the establishment of a robust youth wing under the National Council for Isese Youth Organisation. By professionalizing the cultural packaging of the Egungun heritage, Oyo State seeks to create a sustainable tourism model that honors ancestral traditions while driving modern economic growth through the creative economy.
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