Preparations are in top gear for the 5th edition of the historic Oranyan Festival, with organisers unveiling a colourful line-up of cultural, traditional and entertainment activities for the week-long celebration.
Since its inception, the festival has continued to grow in scope and popularity, with each edition attracting cultural enthusiasts, traditionalists, tourists and lovers of Yoruba heritage from Nigeria and beyond.
Conceived by the Alaafin of Oyo five years ago and packaged by Princess Folasade Adeyemi’s cultural platform, Arewa House of Culture, the festival has served as a bridge between traditional institutions, cultural practitioners and the wider society.
Princess Folasade Adeyemi’s passion for Yoruba culture, tradition and values played a significant role in the success of the maiden edition. Since then, the festival has continued to gain momentum and attract increasing attention.
The 2016 edition is scheduled to hold from Saturday, September 3, to Saturday, September 10, 2016, at Aganju Court, Alaafin of Oyo Palace, Oyo, Oyo State.
Full Programme of Activities
The festival will commence on Saturday, September 3, with a Festival Float and Musical Entertainment, featuring different Fuji musicians from Oyo.
On Sunday, September 4, a promotional live television programme, “Eyi Ara,” will be held at the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), after which the festival train will proceed to the Cultural Centre, Ibadan.
Monday, September 5, has been set aside for the International Press Conference, while Tuesday, September 6, will feature a Yoruba Quiz Competition and musical entertainment by Oyo-based Fuji musicians.
On Wednesday, September 7, the festival will witness the opening of the Arts, Crafts and Exhibition, followed by musical entertainment later in the day.
Thursday, September 8, has been designated Youth Cultural Day, with activities focused on young people and Yoruba cultural heritage.
Friday, September 9, will feature Gbegiri, the popular delicacy associated with Oyo people, as well as Diaspora Day. The programme is proudly sponsored by Trophy.
The grand finale will hold on Saturday, September 10, with Oranyan Day and Royal Reception, bringing the week-long celebration to a colourful close.
International Visitors, Cultural Enthusiasts Expected
Oranyan Festival has become an important annual gathering that attracts sons and daughters of Oyo, traditionalists, arts and crafts experts, culture promoters and tourists from different parts of the world.
Over the years, visitors have travelled from countries including the United States, Brazil, France, Trinidad and Tobago and the Republic of Benin to participate in or experience the celebration of Yoruba culture and heritage.
The chief host and celebrator of the festival is the Alaafin of Oyo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Lamidi Atanda Adeyemi III.
Celebrating Oranyan’s Legacy
The festival is dedicated to celebrating the leadership qualities and historical legacy of Oranyan, regarded as one of the sons of Oduduwa and the acclaimed founder of the Old Oyo Empire.
Oranyan is remembered as a warrior and leader whose contributions helped establish an enduring political structure for civil and military administration in Africa.
Beyond the celebration itself, the festival provides a platform for promoting, preserving and showcasing Yoruba culture and traditions, particularly the values and heritage associated with the Yoruba people.
Organisers also see the event as a means of promoting peace, encouraging cultural tourism and attracting investors interested in the tourism and creative sectors.
Festival Expected to Boost Local Economy
Another significant benefit of the Oranyan Festival is its potential economic impact on Oyo State.
During the celebration, hotels in Oyo town, Ibadan and adjoining communities are expected to record increased patronage as visitors arrive for the various activities.
Small businesses, food vendors, artisans, transport operators and other service providers are also expected to benefit from the increased movement of people generated by the festival.
Beyond its cultural importance, the annual celebration therefore provides an opportunity for local businesses to increase their earnings while showcasing Oyo’s rich history and cultural heritage to visitors from Nigeria and abroad.
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