Critical stakeholders in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, have expressed concerns over a hitch-free maiden Ogbomoso cradle carnival scheduled to hold later this month.
Recall that the Ministry of Tourism, Art, Culture and Creative Economy, had in a letter dated October 9, 2024, approved of the carnival of which sons and daughters of the town at home and in diaspora have been anticipating.
However, some critical stakeholders who have been observing keenly how the shape of the carnival will look like are worried about the division among traditional rulers in the five local governments which constituted the town.
According to them, the carnival is more of Ogbomoso North Local Government, as traditional rulers in the other four Local Government Areas namely: Ogbomoso South, Surulere, Ogo-Oluwa and Oriire local Governments are not actively involved in the organisation of the carnival.
The concerned stakeholders posited that the carnival may not achieve its set goals if the issue is not appropriately addressed by the authority concerned.
Another major issue raised by the stakeholders is that of constant gridlock being experienced in the town as a result of numerous articulated vehicles plying major roads in the town.
They noted that indigenes and visitors willing to come for the carnival may decide not to come due to anticipated traffic gridlock stress.
The stakeholders, therefore, called on the authorities concerned to address the issues raised so that the carnival will hold peacefully.
Speaking on behalf of the concerned stakeholders, Chief Olusegun Adaranijo :”The Ogbomoso cultural carnival is threatened by poor road infrastructure in Ogbomoso main city is becoming a bane for the success of the carnival.
“The carnival being done in Ogbomoso North Local Government. What is of concern to indigenes from Ogbomoso South and three other local government is how the carnival will impact their community that are not in Ogbomoso North LocalGovernment.
“How this will play out is shrouded in secrecy. Community members have noticed that no responsibility has been given to other kings in the area.
“Articulated vehicles have been stranded in the community for weeks, especially with the Ogbomoso township. Indigenes are unable to ply main roads except with motorbikes and bicycles.
“The epileptic power situation in Nigeria is another concern for hotels and social centers.
The community is not aware of any major corporate organisation supporting the carnival nor seeing the impact in the surrounding communities.
“During the tour of the five local governments, there was no publicity advertisement in Arowomole,Igbon,Surulere,Ajaawa, Ikoyi, Tewure, and other smaller towns that constitute Ogbomoso land
“While the efforts of the organisers are good initiatives, a lot of community consultation with traditional rulers within the community is still required for the success of the carnival.”Efforts to also speak with some of the social clubs for their opinion in the town was futile.
