By Kehinde Ayanboade, Ibadan.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has unveiled the lineup of activities for the 2026 Ibadan Cultural Festival, an annual event aimed at celebrating the rich culture and heritage of Ibadan.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the President-General of CCII, Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole, described the 15-day festival as a carefully designed programme to showcase the uniqueness of Ibadan and project its cultural identity to the global community.
He said the festival would promote Yoruba language, indigenous talents, food, creative economy, fashion, entertainment, sports, tourism potential and cultural elegance, adding that this year’s edition would feature new innovations to make it more impactful.
“This programme started in 1985 as Ibadan Day, later became Ibadan Week, and now Ibadan Festival. It fosters cordial relationships among over 200 affiliate clubs within and outside Nigeria, including those in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. Many of them are currently in Ibadan for the festival,” he said.
“We also bring together those who are not indigenes but are residents, whom we refer to as ‘Ibadan gbemi’. One of the greatest attributes of Ibadan is that bi Ibadan se gbe onile lo n gbe alejo—we accommodate both indigenes and visitors, fostering development for all,” he said.
Reeling out activities for the festival, Ajewole said the event commenced on March 23, 2026, with the Ibadan Conference, where key issues affecting the city were discussed.
He added that, as part of efforts to promote inclusiveness, the council organised a women’s conference on April 2, 2026, focusing on leadership advocacy and highlighting the historical role of women in Ibadan, including notable figures such as Iyalode Efunsetan Aniwura and Iyalode Wuraola Esan.
According to him, the festival committee also embarked on a historical tour of Lagelu Grove in Awotan, Apete, believed to be the origin of Ibadan, where prayers were offered for the progress of the city.
He further disclosed that the CCII Hall of Fame was inaugurated by Dr. Debo Akande to preserve and celebrate Ibadan’s history and heritage. He added that the council would also visit two motherless homes in the Omolewa area as part of its corporate social responsibility.
The festival will feature a special interfaith prayer session involving leaders of the three major religions, followed by a Jumat service at the Central Mosque, Ojaba, on Friday.
Other activities include the finals of table tennis and Ayo Olopon competitions at the Royal Boat Cruise, Eleyele, and a special entertainment segment tagged “Ibadan Loni Fuji,” which will feature seven notable Ibadan-born Fuji musicians and the celebration of the legacy of the late creator of the genre, Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister.
The festival will also include a talent hunt, educational programmes, Amala Day, cultural stage performances, football competition, beauty pageantry, medical outreach, palliative distribution, business dinner, and a thanksgiving service at St. Peter’s Church, Aremo.
Ajewole said the grand finale would hold on April 18, 2026, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, with the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and other dignitaries expected to attend.
He added that awards would be presented to distinguished personalities, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume; the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede; Senator AbdulFatai Buhari of Oyo North Senatorial District; and the Vice-Chancellor of Ajimobi Technical University, Prof. Adeola Ajayi.
Oke-Odo Club will also receive a merit award as one of the most outstanding clubs, alongside recognition for notable families.
“There will be club parades showcasing culture and elegance. Last year, some women’s clubs emerged tops. This year promises to be even more exciting, with a parade of warlords to honour Ibadan’s founding fathers,” Ajewole added.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mogaji Moshood Akere, appreciated Ibadan indigenes and sponsors for their continued support. He also commended the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and the CCII President-General for their leadership and support.
Speaking on security arrangements especially for traffic control and crowd management, Akere assured that adequate measures had been put in place in collaboration with the state government and security agencies.
“The state government, through the Special Adviser on Security, Fatai Owoseni, has assured us of full support to ensure a safe and hitch-free festival.
“This year’s grand finale would take place at the Lekan Salami Stadium instead of Liberty Stadium, with improved seating arrangements. Unlike previous years where tents were used, this year spectators will be seated in the stands like a standard sporting event. Vehicles will not be allowed inside the stadium, as alternative parking has been arranged at the Recreation Club,” he explained.
Also speaking, the Deputy Chairman of the festival committee, Mrs. Toyin Oyebola, advised attendees, particularly women, to avoid wearing pencil-heeled shoes to prevent damage to the stadium tracks.
Other dignitaries present at the press conference included the Second Vice Chairman of CCII, Comrade Sunday Abiodun Amoo; Social Secretary, Alhaja Muibat Olayiwola; Chairman of the CCII Board of Trustees, Dr. Lasisi Balogun; Secretary of the Festival Committee, Mr. Saheed Oyebamiji; and former Public Relations Officer of CCII, Chief Seye Ogunshina.
