Owo Kingdom, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, has disclosed that the 2026 edition of the Igogo Festival will be transformed into a major tourism attraction expected to draw over one million visitors to the ancient community.
While emphasising that the annual festival will be held between September 1 and 26, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, High Chief Davies Oyegbata, revealed that the festival will be positioned globally as one of Nigeria’s most historic royal festivals.
According to Oyegbata, during a press briefing ahead of the celebration, the historic and traditional festival honours Queen Oronsen, the mythical wife of Olowo Rerengejen, who reigned over 600 years ago.
The High Chief also disclosed that new components will be introduced into this year’s festival to enhance its appeal to cultural tourists, members of the Nigerian diaspora, and international visitors.
As Oyegbata sought the partnership of the media in amplifying Nigeria’s cultural heritage and positioning Igogo as a global tourism event, he maintained that sacred rites, royal processions, and community celebrations will be strictly observed during the festival.
He said, “For generations, Igogo has been a living reminder of devotion, leadership, and cultural identity in Owo. Each year, the community gathers to honour Queen Oronsen, celebrating the values she represents and passing them on through shared rituals, performances, and hospitality.
“In the past few years, we have been making plans to raise the status of the historic festival. In 2026, preparations are in top gear to further elevate the festival under the leadership of His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the Paramount Ruler of Owo Land.
“A distinctive feature of the festival is the ceremonial tradition where the Olowo and chiefs dress in symbolic white attire with plaited hair, commemorating Queen Oronsen, while metal gongs replace drums in accordance with ancient tradition. The 2026 edition aims to reposition the Igogo Festival as a major cultural tourism platform in Africa.”
Other members of the planning committee, including Dr Deji Aseniserae, Chief Oluata, Alhaji Abass Obayorijus, and Adeyemi Kendrick, among others, also spoke on media reach, sponsorship opportunities, and the festival’s economic and tourism impact.
“The Ogwalopo Ceremony, the first of its kind, is the grand climax of the Igogo Festival being introduced for the first time. Ogwalopo represents the revival of our ancient Ore Festival, which was traditionally celebrated to pay homage to our revered king, the Olowo of Owo.
“To make it clearer, it is designed as a large cultural gathering similar to the celebratory structure of the renowned Ojude Oba Festival, where organised groups and cultural associations pay homage to their monarch.”
Owo kingdom unveils plan to put 600-year-old Igogo festival on global map
Owo kingdom unveils plan to put 600-year-old Igogo festival on global map
