The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has announced the constitution of the planning committee for the 2026 edition of the Ibadan Cultural Festival.
A statement on Saturday by the Council’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Olomide, said the announcement was made by the CCII President-General, Chief (Barr.) Ajeniyi Ajewole, during the the monthly general assembly meeting held at Ibadan House, Oke Aremo, on Friday.
The newly constituted committee will be chaired by Mogaji Moshood Gbolagade Akere, a respected figure in Ibadan’s socio-cultural circles. Akere is the current vice chairman of Omo Aj’orosun Club and a financial member of the Association of Ancient Ibadan Warlords Families.Also appointed into the committee is Mrs Toyin Oyebola, a Chief Lecturer in the Department of Languages and Communication, The Polytechnic, Ibadan. Oyebola, who also serves as the vice president of Ibadan Vanguard Sisters, was named vice chairperson of the 2026 planning committee. She had earlier served as the chairperson of the education sub-committee in the 2025 festival.The position of committee secretary was assigned to Prince Saheed Oyebamiji, a seasoned cultural administrator. Oyebamiji is the assistant secretary of the Association of The Ibadan Patriots (ATIP), and the current Ssecretary of the Association of Ancient Ibadan Warlords Families. He also served as the assistant secretary of the 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee and currently doubles as the secretary of the sports sub-committee.Speaking on the appointments, Ajewole tasked the committee to raise the bar and surpass the achievements recorded during the 2025 edition of the festival, which was chaired by Oloye Abiola Alli.
“We believe that with the calibre of individuals selected for the 2026 committee, the coming edition will showcase Ibadan’s rich heritage more vibrantly and inclusively,” he said.In his acceptance speech, Akere expressed appreciation to the CCII for the trust reposed in him and pledged to deliver a memorable cultural celebration that would further uplift Ibadan’s image.
“We are committed to organising a festival that all Ibadan sons and daughters at home and abroad will be proud of. Our tradition is our pride, and we shall preserve and promote it with dignity,” he said.Oyebola also commended the CCII leadership for ensuring continuity in the selection process. She pledged full support for the committee chairman and expressed optimism that the 2026 festival would deepen youth participation and educational content.
Oyebamiji, on his part, described his reappointment as a call to greater service. “Having been part of the 2025 team, I understand the scale of work and coordination required. This time, we are aiming higher,” he said.CCII urged all clubs, families, and stakeholders in Ibadanland to support the newly inaugurated committee in its mission to deliver an impactful cultural festival.