LAGOS CHAMPIONS YORUBA HERITAGE AT WORLD EGUNGUN FESTIVAL, REINFORCING CULTURAL DIPLOMACY

Lagos State has recently joined the vibrant celebration of Yoruba culture at the 2025 World Egungun Festival, held from May 14th to May 16th at Liberty Stadium, Oke Ado, Ibadan.

The Lagos State delegation, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MTAC), Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, who represented the Commissioner for Tourism, Mrs. Toke Benson Awoyinka, at the three-day cultural extravaganza, showcased the state’s deep commitment to preserving and promoting Yoruba heritage.

With the theme “Connecting Through Tradition and Culture”, the event which was organised by the Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism in collaboration with the Adayeba Cultural Tourism Foundation served as a powerful platform for cultural exchange and a vibrant homage to the Egungun masquerade, a revered symbol of ancestral reverence in Yoruba tradition.

Mr. Bajulaiye commended the harmonious coexistence of the participating associations from different communities, noting their captivating performances. He applauded the Lagos State contingent for their vibrant showcase, featuring traditional drumming, chants, dynamic choreography, and intricately designed costumes, which significantly enhanced the festival’s cultural richness and diversity.

Reaffirming the success of the 2025 World Egungun Festival, Mr. Bajulaiye highlighted its role in uniting communities, bridging generational gaps, and celebrating Yoruba heritage in its full glory.

Also speaking at the festival, Dr. Wasiu Ajani Olatunbosun, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, underscored the event’s significance. He highlighted its role in unifying diverse cultural expressions of the Yoruba people, bringing together Egungun masquerades from across Southwest Nigeria and the Benin Republic to promote unity, cultural exchange, and the preservation of ancestral traditions.

The festival’s programme was rich with cultural highlights, featuring captivating masquerade performances from various Egungun Traditional Religious Associations across different states, electrifying Fuji music concerts by renowned artists, cultural exhibitions showcasing indigenous art and heritage, and the iconic Amala Fiesta celebrating Yoruba cuisine.

The event also provided ample opportunities for artisans and vendors to display local crafts, fashion, and food, boosting economic empowerment.

The festival was presided over by His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and former Governor of Oyo State, whose esteemed presence added significant prestige and authenticity.

Other prominent dignitaries included the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal; Her Royal Majesty, Olori Enitan Ogunwusi, as the Mother of the Day; and Chief Ifayemi Osundagbonu Elebuibon, among other esteemed personalities. Their participation underscored the festival’s importance as a platform for cultural diplomacy, networking, and stakeholder engagement.

The Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the Lagos State Oje Religious Association, meticulously assembled a rich and diverse masquerade contingent representing the five divisions of Lagos (IBILE). This impressive display included renowned Egungun such as Wowo Ado, Owolewa, Iyaniwura, Ayoka, Agaja, Ega, Ajogbowo, Abobade, Egungun Tojuebie, Egungun Osuolale, Egungun Madanwo, Egungun Oyadolu, Egungun Oya II, Adaramojo, Enikanolaye, Owolewa, Addo Naira Body, Sungo, Igbokusu Tanimola, and Okun Ajah Ibaje Eniyan, among others.

Other Lagos State officials present at the festival included Mr. Taoreed Dosunmu, Director of Administration and Human Resources (MTAC); Mr. Idowu Johnson, Director of Arts and Culture / CEO, Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture (LSCAC); Mr. Akeem Owolabi, Head of Creative Industry and Heritage (LSCAC) and other dedicated staff members of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture.