SOUN OGBOMOSO CARNIVAL 2025

The ancient city of Ogbomoso will come alive from Thursday, 18th to Monday, 22nd December 2025, as His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, hosts a historic cultural carnival designed to celebrate heritage, unity, and the rich traditions of Ogbomoso land.

Under the Royal Majesty of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, Soun of Ogbomoso

The ancient city of Ogbomoso will come alive from Thursday, 18th to Monday, 22nd December 2025, as His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, hosts a historic cultural carnival designed to celebrate heritage, unity, and the rich traditions of Ogbomoso land.

Since his enthronement as the Soun of Ogbomoso, Kabiyesi has brought renewed dynamism to the throne—promoting cultural revival, youth engagement, global visibility for Ogbomoso, and strategic partnerships with the diaspora. His reign has been marked by openness, modernization of traditional institutions, and deliberate efforts to position Ogbomoso as a cultural and tourism destination of international repute.

The Soun Ogbomoso Carnival 2025 is envisioned as a global cultural convergence, attracting visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora, showcasing Ogbomoso's history, creativity, hospitality, and economic potential.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

📍 Thursday, 18th December 2025 – Opening Day

• Flag-off of 100+ Cyclists from the Palace to Iseyin
• Grand Opening of Arts, Crafts & Local Cuisine Exhibition
• Official Opening of the Carnival
• Cultural & Religious Discourse
• Traditional Performances: Hunters' Display, Bata Dances, Ijala, Egungun
• Venue: Ogunlola Hall Arena

📍 Friday, 19th December 2025 – Royal Traditions Day

• Installation of Traditional & Honorary Chiefs
• Jumaat Prayers
• Odun Oole Festival
• Venue: Palace Arena

📍 Saturday, 20th December 2025 – Sports & Youth Day

• Oba Ghandi Golf Tournament
• Grand Finale of Pre-Carnival Competitions
• Venue: Ogbomoso Recreation Club & Palace Arena

📍 Sunday, 21st December 2025 – Thanksgiving & Celebration

• Thanksgiving Service
• Musical Concerts & Awards Night
• Venue: Beulah Baptist Centre & Palace Arena

📍 Monday, 22nd December 2025 – Grand Finale

• Arrival of Dignitaries, Clubs & Associations
• Grand Entry of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State
• Welcome Address by the Chairman Planning Committees
• Cultural Displays from the Five Local Government Areas
• Royal Address by Kabiyesi
• Governor's Address
• Traditional Homage & Closing Ceremony
• Venue: Soun Stadium

A CARNIVAL WITH GLOBAL APPEAL

The 2025 Soun Ogbomoso Carnival is expected to draw international tourists, cultural enthusiasts, investors, and members of the Ogbomoso diaspora, boosting local commerce, hospitality, and creative industries while reinforcing Ogbomoso's place on the global cultural map.

Under the visionary leadership of Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, this carnival stands as a symbol of heritage preserved, culture celebrated, and a future boldly embraced.

Kabiyesi lives on. Ogbomoso rises. Culture reigns.