As Ibadanland gradually looks ahead to the 2027 edition of its annual Cultural Festival, the reappointed Chairman of the Ibadan Cultural Festival Committee, Mogaji Gbolagade Moshood Akere, has signalled his readiness to build on the achievements of the 2026 edition and raise the standard of the festival.
Following his reappointment by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), alongside Dr. Monsurat Oyebola as Vice Chairman, expectations are high for another remarkable celebration of the rich cultural heritage, history and identity of Ibadanland.
Akere’s return for another term is widely regarded as an opportunity to consolidate on the successes recorded in 2026, particularly following the commendation of the CCII President General, Barr. Suleiman Ajewole, who described the last edition as one of the best in recent years.
The renewed mandate also places before the committee the responsibility of making the 2027 festival more engaging, inclusive and impactful, with greater opportunities to showcase Ibadan’s cultural heritage, traditional institutions, indigenous values, tourism potential and communal identity.
For Akere, the second opportunity to serve is not merely a recognition of past achievements but a renewed responsibility to deliver even greater results.
His commitment to working with Dr. Monsurat Oyebola and other committee members reflects the importance of teamwork, continuity and purposeful leadership in achieving the committee’s objectives.
The 2027 edition presents another opportunity to bring Ibadan indigenes, traditional rulers, Mogajis, business leaders, cultural enthusiasts and sons and daughters of the ancient city across the world together in celebrating a heritage that has endured for generations.
With the confidence reposed in the committee by the CCII leadership, attention is now turning to the task ahead: transforming the renewed mandate into a festival that will further strengthen Ibadan’s cultural identity and enhance its standing as one of Nigeria’s leading centres of history, tradition and tourism.
For Ibadan, the 2027 Cultural Festival is more than an annual celebration; it is another opportunity to tell the Ibadan story, preserve its heritage and project its greatness to the world.
Report by: Oyinlola Ejilola Ibadan Correspondent, The Mogjournals