The Ajana of Afa Okeagbe, Oba Mofolorunso Adegboyega Arasanyin, has formally adopted the USE-OGOSI Festival as a major cultural heritage of Afa Kingdom and called for its official recognition and support by the Ondo State government.
Speaking today at the 2026 USE Festival held in Ogosi, Afa Okeagbe, the monarch described the annual celebration as the first cultural festival in the Afa Calendar and one that occupies a central place in the history, identity and cultural consciousness of the people.
Addressing distinguished Chiefs elders, members of the cultural committee, sons and daughters of Ogosi at home and in the diaspora, as well as guests, the royal father expressed deep satisfaction at the consistency with which the festival has been celebrated over the years.
According to him, the people of Ogosi have demonstrated uncommon tenacity and commitment in preserving the cultural heritage of Afa Kingdom, noting that the USE Festival has grown in organisation, richness and communal unity.
“Year after year, Ogosi has never failed Afa. The USE Festival has been celebrated with admirable organisation, rich cultural display and communal harmony worthy of emulation,” the monarch declared.
The Ajana particularly commended the USE-OGOSI Cultural Committee under the leadership of the Chief Bashorun of Afa for introducing innovations that have projected the festival beyond local relevance and positioned it for broader recognition in line with global cultural standards.
In a significant pronouncement, the monarch said: “As the Ajana of Afa Okeagbe and Royal Father of the land, I hereby formally adopt the USE-OGOSI Festival as a major cultural heritage of Afa Kingdom. I further recommend and endorse the festival for official listing and recognition among the prominent cultural festivals of Ondo State.”
The royal father also paid glowing tribute to the late Chief R. F. Giwa, Aro Onile, whom he described as one of the great promoters of the festival whose immense dedication laid the foundation for its present growth and prominence.
He acknowledged the role of Asiwaju Otunba Solomon Ayodele Oladunni and other Ogosi chiefs and elders for their steadfast leadership and unwavering support toward preserving and advancing the cultural legacy of the kingdom.
The monarch described the 2026 edition as particularly significant, noting that the community had deliberately expanded the scope of the celebration to create new opportunities for youth engagement, tourism development and socio-economic growth within Afa Kingdom and beyond.
He expressed hope that the festival would continue to attract national and global attention in recognition of its cultural, moral and developmental values, even as he urged unity ahead of forthcoming Nghagha Ogunna and Itan Ogotun festivals.
However, in his address, Chairman of the USE Festival Planning and Organising Committee, Bashorun Akinwumi Bada, has said the 2026 edition of the festival marks a defining moment in the cultural journey of Ogosi Afa Okeagbe, as the celebration expands to include scholarship awards and economic empowerment initiatives.
Bada, who spoke before a large audience described the USE Festival as “the living soul of Ogosi Afa Okeagbe.”
According to him, the festival is more than an annual gathering; it is an age-long tradition expressed through songs, dances, rites and shared memories passed from generation to generation, serving as a powerful symbol of unity and peaceful coexistence.
He disclosed that the renewed vision for the festival is deliberate and purposeful, aimed at repositioning it as a globally recognised cultural celebration while preserving its sacred values.
“This rebranding effort is not about changing our identity; it is about strengthening it and presenting it confidently to the world,” he said.
Bada explained that beyond entertainment, the 2026 festival has incorporated scholarship support for talented but indigent students in the community, as well as business empowerment initiatives for selected individuals across the six quarters of Ogosi.
He said the initiatives were designed to ensure that culture translates into tangible impact by uplifting lives, supporting education and strengthening grassroots economic activities.
The committee chairman noted that the nine-day festival had been carefully designed to reflect the history of the people, honour their ancestors and celebrate shared values, while projecting Ogosi Afa Okeagbe as a destination of cultural pride and orderliness.
“Our aspiration is clear. With sustained collaboration and strategic support from government and relevant institutions, USE Festival can evolve into a notable cultural brand capable of attracting tourists, scholars, investors and development partners from across Nigeria and beyond,” he added.
He commended the unwavering support of the Ajana of Afa Okeagbe, Oba Arasanyin, community leaders, stakeholders and volunteers who have embraced the vision of preserving heritage while opening doors to development and global engagement.
In his address, High Chief Stephen O Adewumi (Efficacy), the Ologotun Igase said USE festival is usually celebrated every February noted that this year’s event was not devoid of the usual funfare, with more active involvement of sons and daughters of the community from within and outside the country.
According to him, we want government to join hand with the people of Ogosi Afa Okeagbe to promote the festival in order to attract more visitors so as to attract more tourists to the event and boost the economy of the state.
“As you can see now, there are cultural displays by the old and the young, who added glitz and glamour to the event. The festival as special and i am urging government at all levels to give special attention to development of culture and tourism potential particularly USE festival”, Adewumi said.
The atmosphere at the festival ground was further electrified by a captivating performance from the award-winning Ondo State Cultural Troupe, whose colourful display of dance added glamour and prestige to the 2026 edition of the USE Festival.
The troupe’s performance, marked by rhythmic drumming and rich traditional costumes, drew loud applause from dignitaries and guests, reinforcing the festival’s status as a major cultural event in the state’s calendar.
Their participation underscored the growing recognition of the USE Festival as a platform that celebrates excellence in indigenous arts and promotes Ondo State’s cultural heritage to a broader audience.
Ends.