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What many never saw as economic potential is now being used to generate revenue and bring Oyo State onto the international stage. Blueprint.ng’s correspondent reports on how the resurgence of masquerade culture has given the state a global reckoning.
Oyo State, under the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, leaves no doubt of its intention to make good use of culture and tourism as a major source of increased state revenue.
In this regard, he is therefore determined to do everything possible to promote the tourism industry which includes the celebration of traditional festivals such as Egungun, Sango, Osun, among others.
Among the initiatives was the introduction of the annual Egungun festival by the state government through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism led by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun.
The Egungun Festival
In Yoruba slang, Egungun (masquerades) represent deceased ancestors. The Egungun festival therefore is common in and across Yoruba land and also in other parts of the world that have cultural affiliations with the Yoruba tribe or lineage. The festival mostly took place
each year is seen as a vital means of strengthening bonds with ancestors and communities.
The Oyo State Government, since the arrival of Governor Seyi Makinde in May 2019, has identified the need to look at other ways to improve the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by leveraging sectors such as tourism to generate more revenue for the state. To realize the gesture, the state government has decided to celebrate the annual Egungun festival
At this year’s festival, which was held between May 1 and 2 at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan, the state government once again demonstrated its full commitment to promoting the Egungun festival in the tourism sector. Looking at the events of the two-day festival this year, it is clear that the Government led by Governor Makinde is well determined to make the Egungun festival an international festival.
According to the organisers, there were over 18,000 participants with masquerades from all five geopolitical zones of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Benin Republic with 200 masquerades from 10 countries along with over 100 registered groups and associations in colorful uniforms.
In the words of the organizers, the Egungun Festival is the great celebration of the ancestors of the Yoruba culture. In Oyo State there is now a full-fledged “World Egungun Festival” supported by the state government. The third edition has just concluded on May 2, 2026 with the first day of the symposium at the Local Government Services Commission Secretariat, Agodi. There were over 10 academic articles on Egungun from the Sahara Centre, the Institute of African Studies and the University of Ibadan.
The second day, which is the grand finale, featured masquerade shows, cultural parades, traditional cuisine, Fuji music, Nollywood/art exhibitions and the like.
The Commissioner underlines its importance
The state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Olatubosun, in his welcome address commended Governor Makinde for his constant commitment and support to the promotion of tradition, customs and opportunity to showcase the cultural values and heritage of the state since the inception of his administration, saying that plans were underway to list the Egungun Festival as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity so as to ensure its recognition globally. Through this, it would help revive and expand the state’s economy.
Calling for greater collaboration and support from corporate and international organisations, the Commissioner commended all stakeholders, associations, groups and individuals for their support, also calling for greater partnership stating that such support would go a long way in ensuring that culture and tradition do not go into extinction.
“It is not just an event; it is a celebration of our identity, our traditions and our community. The state government wants Ibadan to become a major tourist destination and a cultural hub that the world can reckon with,” he said.
Revenue increased through tourism – Makinde
Governor Makinde, speaking at the festival, stressed that his administration will continue to support culture and tourism as a means of improving the economic value chain in the state.
Makinde, represented by the secretary of the regional government, prof. Musibau Babatunde, underlined that culture and tourism were one of the key factors in improving the Land’s economy, as with Omitutun 2.0 they generated more revenue than in previous years.
“The Egungun Festival is one of the cultural heritages that has been underestimated due to some people’s belief that it is all about spirituality and violence.”
Emphasizing that the state government organizes the festival to change the wrong narrative and explore the economic potential of heritage, he lauded all stakeholders, sponsors and different masquerade parties for their efforts and performances, urging the organizers to put more effort into supporting the festival.
International collaboration
The Deputy Chief of Mission at the British High Commission in Lagos, Simon Field, in his goodwill message, commended the outstanding leadership of Governor Makinde, especially his initiative in promoting culture and tourism in the state.
The royal father of the time who is also the chairman of the festival, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan lauded the administration of Governor Makinde for showcasing and promoting culture, traditions and customs in the state.
Represented by the Asipa of Ibadan land, Oba Hamid Ajibade, Oba Ladoja prayed for the continued development, progress and prosperity of Ibadan land and the state.
Dr. Fayemi Fakayode, Mogaji Onibudo of Ibadan and President of the World Ifa Worshipers Association, highlighted that the Egungun Festival showcases the beauty of Egungun considering that the festival period is always characterized by a peaceful and serene atmosphere, free from violence, which makes it more attractive and witnesses a large turnout of both old and young people.
Although the two-day World Egungun Festival 2026 has passed, but the fact remains that it has further showcased and projected the rich culture of Oyo State and Yorubaland at large. It also represents a better way to generate more revenue for the state and tactically revive the rich Yoruba culture and tradition.
