The Ataoja of Osogboland, His Royal Majesty Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, has expressed profound appreciation to dignitaries, traditional institutions, worshippers, corporate organisations, cultural enthusiasts and other stakeholders who graced the 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival in Osogbo, Osun State.
The revered monarch conveyed his appreciation while reflecting on the successful celebration of the annual cultural and spiritual festival, which continues to attract visitors, traditionalists, cultural practitioners and tourists from different parts of Nigeria and beyond.
Oba Larooye II particularly acknowledged the presence and support of the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mr Kola Adewusi, who represented the Governor of Osun State at the festival.
This was contained in a statement made available to the newsmen in Osogbo by the Otun Babaloja of Sasa Market Osogbo and the representative of Ataoja in all the market in Osogbo, Alhaji Chief Kamarudeen Yusuf Efe, Ataoja described the presence of the Deputy Governor as a demonstration of the state government's recognition of the cultural significance of the Osun-Osogbo Festival and its importance to the heritage, identity and tourism development of Osun State.
He also commended the Osun worshippers and devotees who participated in the festival, noting their commitment to preserving the spiritual traditions and cultural values associated with the centuries-old celebration.
According to the monarch, the continued participation of worshippers remains central to the survival and preservation of the Osun-Osogbo heritage, as the festival provides an important platform for the people to reconnect with their ancestral traditions while passing cultural values from one generation to another.
The Ataoja further expressed gratitude to corporate organisations, private institutions, individuals and other supporters whose contributions helped to ensure the success of the 2026 edition of the festival.
He noted that the festival has grown beyond a traditional religious and cultural gathering to become an important symbol of the rich Yoruba heritage and a major attraction for cultural tourism.
Oba Larooye II recognised the various stakeholders who have continued to support the festival through financial contributions, partnerships, logistics, publicity and other forms of assistance, stressing that their support has contributed significantly to the successful hosting of the annual event.
The monarch also appreciated residents of Osogboland for their hospitality and cooperation throughout the festival period. He commended the people for maintaining peace and order and for presenting Osogbo as a welcoming destination for visitors who came to witness the cultural and spiritual activities.
The 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival once again provided an avenue for the celebration of Yoruba cultural heritage, traditional institutions, spirituality, arts and communal identity. The festival's activities attracted a diverse gathering of participants and observers, further underscoring its enduring cultural importance.
The Ataoja urged all stakeholders to continue working together to preserve the heritage of Osun-Osogbo for future generations. He emphasised that sustained collaboration among the traditional institution, government, worshippers, corporate organisations, residents and cultural stakeholders would strengthen the festival and further enhance its global appeal.
Oba Larooye II expressed optimism that the continued support and commitment of all stakeholders would contribute to the growth of the festival, promote Osogbo as a major cultural tourism destination and preserve the historical and spiritual values of the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove.
He therefore extended his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the 2026 celebration, describing their presence and support as a demonstration of their commitment to the preservation and promotion of Osogboland's rich cultural heritage.
The Ataoja reaffirmed the commitment of the traditional institution to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the Osun-Osogbo Festival continues to thrive as a cherished expression of Yoruba culture, spirituality and identity, while maintaining its significance as one of Nigeria's most prominent cultural festivals.
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