Your Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Soun of Ogbomoso: Embrace Gbegiri Day and Odun Olele Oba, Abandon Ogbomoso Carnival

Appoint More Inclusive Committees Rooted in Our Culture

As a proud son of Ogbomoso, I am writing to humbly express my thoughts regarding the ongoing discussions about the Ogbomoso Carnival and to suggest a more culturally enriching alternative that can further solidify our town’s rich heritage under your esteemed leadership.

Ogbomoso, as a town, is steeped in history and culture, with traditions that have been passed down through generations. Among these traditions are the **Odun Olele Oba** and the cherished **Gbegiri soup**. The Odun Olele Oba, a festival centered around a unique dish made from beans known as “olele” or “moin moin,” a steamed or boiled bean pudding, holds deep significance for our people. It is not just about the food; it is about the communal spirit, the unity, and the shared identity that has kept Ogbomoso together for centuries.

Gbegiri soup, another staple of Ogbomoso, is more than just a culinary delight. It is a symbol of our identity, a dish that is as much a part of our culture as the spoken word. For the people of Ogbomoso, Gbegiri is a reminder of home, of the warmth of family, and of the bonds that tie us together as a community. These cultural elements are woven into the very fabric of Ogbomoso’s identity and should be celebrated in ways that honor their significance.

While the idea of an Ogbomoso Carnival may seem appealing on the surface, it is important to recognize that such events, though popular, often lack the depth and meaning that cultural festivals provide. Carnivals, by their very nature, are prone to commercialization and often attract a transient audience more interested in entertainment than in cultural preservation. The risk here is that our rich traditions could be overshadowed by the allure of modern festivities that do not reflect the true essence of Ogbomoso.

Moreover, the experience of other towns that have embraced carnivals shows that these events can sometimes lead to social issues such as noise pollution, traffic congestion, and even instances of crime. In contrast, cultural festivals like the Gbegiri Day or Odun Olele Oba are inherently safer, more community-oriented, and offer a platform for educating the younger generation about our history and values.

Cultural festivals have proven to be powerful tools for community building and cultural preservation across Nigeria. In Yoruba land, towns like Ile-Ife celebrate the **Olojo Festival**, while Iseyin honors the **Oro Festival**. These towns have successfully used their cultural festivals to draw attention to their heritage, fostering a sense of pride among their people and attracting visitors who seek to experience authentic Yoruba culture. Similarly, the Igbo community celebrates the **New Yam Festival (Iri Ji)**, and the Hausa community honors **Durbar** during Eid festivals, maintaining their cultural identity through these celebrations of history, arts, and traditions.

By focusing on Gbegiri Day or Odun Olele Oba, Ogbomoso can join the ranks of these towns, offering an event that is uniquely ours, one that speaks to our identity and heritage.

Your Majesty, while it is important to recognize the contributions of wealthy individuals to the development of Ogbomoso, I would like to respectfully suggest that appointments to committees and leadership roles within these cultural events should be more inclusive. Ogbomoso is blessed with professionals in every field—many of whom have spent their lives contributing to the town’s development. These individuals, who are deeply rooted in our culture and traditions, are well-equipped to lead initiatives that preserve and promote our heritage.

It is crucial that those appointed to these roles are not just occasional visitors but are people who live and breathe the culture of Ogbomoso, who understand the nuances of our traditions, and who are committed to the town’s long-term development.

In conclusion, I urge Your Majesty to consider abandoning the idea of an Ogbomoso Carnival and instead build upon the rich cultural heritage that makes our town unique. By celebrating Gbegiri Day or Odun Olele Oba, we can create an event that not only preserves our traditions but also strengthens the bonds within our community and showcases the true spirit of Ogbomoso to the world.

Written by
Femi Ajiboye
Publisher, Roundoyo News