Oyo Government Postpones Adire Carnival to Meet Global Standards

The Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, has announced the postponement of the highly anticipated Adire Carnival and Exhibition, originally scheduled for Friday, June 20, 2025.

The announcement was made in a statement released on Wednesday in Ibadan by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, on behalf of the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun.

According to the statement, the decision to defer the event was made to ensure that the carnival aligns with international standards, provides a seamless experience, and delivers the cultural excellence expected by residents and guests.

A new date for the event will be communicated shortly, with assurances that all stakeholders and the public will be duly informed.

Commissioner Olatunbosun reaffirmed the government’s dedication to advancing the cultural and tourism sectors in the state, noting that tourism is a strategic pillar in the administration’s Omituntun 2.0 Roadmap for Sustainable Development. He emphasized its importance in driving economic growth, job creation, and boosting internally generated revenue.

Highlighting past achievements, he mentioned the successful hosting of numerous cultural events such as the World Twins Festival, World Egungun Festival, World Tourism Day, Iyake International Festival, the Oyo State International Tourism Summit, and the Aso-Ofi Festival.

He added that the Aso-Ofi Festival, in particular, has inspired a state policy encouraging public servants to incorporate Aso-Ofi into their official attire—a move that has reinvigorated the indigenous textile sector and reinforced Oyo’s status as a hub for traditional fabric production.

“The Adire Carnival and Exhibition, organized in collaboration with BIZRAIT and Adire Odua, is part of this broader strategy to showcase indigenous textile craftsmanship. Postponing the event is a necessary step to ensure that it meets the high expectations of both local and international participants,” Olatunbosun explained.

He extended the government’s gratitude to partners, participants, and the public for their continued support and patience as preparations continue for what is expected to be an even more impactful cultural showcase.