The planning committee for the 2026 edition of the annual Saki Beere Festival has officially announced activities for this year’s celebration, with organisers calling on the federal and Oyo State governments to support efforts aimed at transforming the event into a major tourism attraction.
The announcement was made during a press conference held in Ibadan on Tuesday, where members of the committee unveiled the programme for the festival scheduled to hold from May 10 to May 18, 2026.
Addressing journalists, the committee said the nine-day cultural event would take place in Saki, headquarters of Saki West Local Government Area of Oyo State, and would showcase the rich heritage, customs and traditions of the ancient town.
The organisers conveyed greetings from His Royal Majesty, Oba Surveyor (Dr.) Khalid Oyeniyi Oyedepo III, the Okere of Saki, and praised the monarch for his commitment to preserving the cultural identity of the community.
According to the committee, the monarch has continued to sustain the age-old Beere Festival while working to elevate it into one of the leading tourism events in Oyo State and Nigeria.
They appealed to the Federal Government and Oyo State Government, through relevant tourism agencies, to partner with the community in achieving that vision.
The committee described the Beere Festival as a historic celebration that unites sons and daughters of Saki, as well as friends and visitors, in a spirit of peace, love and communal harmony.
They explained that the festival also provides an avenue for chiefs, baales and community leaders to renew their loyalty and allegiance to the Okere of Saki.
Historically, the festival symbolised the commencement of annual re-roofing of the Okere’s palace using traditional grass straws known as “Beere,” before residents were permitted to roof their own homes.
The organisers added that the tradition also promoted environmental discipline, as bush burning was prohibited until roofing activities were completed.
Activities for the 2026 edition will begin on Day One, May 10, with Ibori Day, featuring traditional rites, gun salute, palace drumming, royal blessings and cultural displays.
Day Two, May 11, known as Beerethrowing Day (Ojo Isoko), will feature palace cleansing rites, royal feasting, traditional dances and the famous Isoko ceremony led by the monarch.
Day Three, May 12, tagged Imoyi Oba Day, will see market men and women, community associations and theatre groups paying homage to the king.
Day Four, May 13, will focus on Talent Exhibition and Native Doctors Day, with displays of local talents and traditional performances.
Day Five, May 14, designated Pledge of Allegiance Day (Ojo Ileri), will witness baales and Alagbon chiefs publicly reaffirming loyalty to the monarch.
Day Six, May 15, known as Ologunfe Day, will celebrate women, chiefs and traditional performers with homage visits, dances and music.
Day Seven, May 16, will feature honorary chiefs’ homage, masquerade outings and Gẹlẹdẹ performances.
Day Eight, May 17, will host a public lecture and women-led homage activities.
The festival will climax on Day Nine, May 18, with the Grand Finale (Ojo Abekagba) at the Oyo State Agricultural Development Agency (OYSADA) Sports Complex, Saki.
Those present at the press conference to brief journalists included the National Chairman of Saki Parapo, Mr. Wale Oladokun; High Chief Jimoh Olatunji Adigun, a member of the Saki Traditional Council; immediate past Chairman of Saki Elite Club, Mr. Gbade Inolaji; Mr. Opoola Bolaji, a stakeholder in IPMAN and current Chairman of Saki Elite Club; Prince Lateef Egbinola, Treasurer of Saki Elite Club; Mrs. Ayo Durojola, a Saki indigene; and Mr. Tola Salami, another indigene of Saki, Oke-Ogun.
The committee said this year’s edition promises to be bigger and more colourful than previous celebrations, with improved activities designed to attract visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.
They therefore invited lovers of culture, tourism and tradition to attend the 2026 Saki Beere Festival and witness one of the most enduring cultural celebrations in Yorubaland.
