PICTORIAL: Oba Owoade Hosts First Sango Festival As Alaafin Oyo

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, on Saturday, hosted the Sango Festival, the first since his assumption on the throne as the Alaafin.

Thousands of local and international visitors thronged the ancient Oyo town for the grand finale of the festival on Saturday, August 16, 2025, for the event that drew cultural enthusiasts, and tourists to the historic town.

This year’s celebration was historic as the first to be hosted by Oba Owoade and the second since the official recognition of the festival by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a World Heritage event.

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa who was physically presented at the colourful cultural event presented the UNESCO World Heritage Certificate of Inscription to the Alaafin and Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun.

“This certificate is a global endorsement of the Sango Festival’s living heritage,” Musawa declared. “It honours our past while building the future—opening doors for cultural tourism, inspiring our youth, and strengthening Nigeria’s place on the world’s cultural map.”

Musawa further noted that the inscription aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in placing culture and tourism at the heart of Nigeria’s economic diversification.

Tourists at the festival were treated to colourful processions, energetic drumming, fiery chants, and thrilling performances that showcased Yoruba resilience and spirituality.

The festival also offered opportunities to explore the rich Oyo ancient palaces, traditional markets, and hospitality as a rich and vibrant tourism package.

Alaafin Owoade expressed gratitude to UNESCO, the Nigerian Government and the Oyo State Government for supporting the sustainability of the Sango Festival, pledging continued commitment of the Oyo traditional institution to preserving cultural heritage that fosters unity and progress.

The Sango Festival, with its new UNESCO status is set to attract increased international attention, positioning Oyo and Nigeria as a premier destination for cultural tourism in Africa.

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