The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to the promotion of the Igboora World Twins Festival as part of efforts to preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage, attract investors and promote tourism.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, stated this when the Executive Chairman of Ibarapa Central Local Government, Hon. Adeleke Ayoade Olusola, led the three traditional rulers of Igboora on a courtesy visit to his office.
The traditional rulers on the delegation included the Olu of Igboora, His Royal Majesty, Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye; the Olu Aso of Iberepodo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Jamiu Adedamola Badmus; and the Oba of Sagamu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Fasasi Jinadu.
Hon. Olatubosun appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for his relentless efforts towards the development of culture and tourism in the state, while also commending the management team of the Ministry for its contributions to the growth of the sector.
He specifically lauded the three traditional rulers for the unity and cooperation existing among them, describing it as worthy of emulation by other traditional institutions.
“You are making us proud,” the Commissioner told the monarchs.
Olatubosun expressed his desire to see the Twins Festival attain international recognition, noting that his efforts is to get the festival into the Guinness Book of Records and have it enlisted with UNESCO.
He also charged the organisers to involve the renowned Oguntoye twins in the activities of the festival and ensure that twins with various talents are given opportunities to showcase their abilities.
The Commissioner advised the organisers to engage various groups, associations and clubs, particularly those that could add colour to the celebration through coordinated uniforms and cultural displays, similar to the World Egungun Festival.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Ibarapa Central Local Government, Hon. Adeleke Ayoade Olusola, said the visit was to formally invite the Ministry to the 2026 edition of the week-long Twins Festival scheduled to hold from October 6 to 10, 2026.
According to him, the grand finale would take place on October 10 at Methodist Grammar School, Igboora, Oyo State where the Executive Governor, Engr.Oluseyi Makinde is expected to grace the occasion.
He appreciated Dr. Olatubosun for his efforts towards ensuring that the festival remains a permanent cultural event in the region, noting that Igboora could become synonymous with the Twins Festival in the same way Oyo is associated with the Sango Festival and Ibadan with the World Egungun Festival.
He disclosed that arrangements were being made to ensure adequate security and electricity supply for the event, adding that the organisers wanted the 2026 celebration to be more elaborate.
The Olu of Igboora, His Royal Majesty, Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye on behalf of other Royal Majesties appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for creating a platform for culture to thrive in the state.
He commended the management of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, led by Dr. Olatubosun, for driving initiatives aimed at promoting the state’s cultural heritage.
Oba Titiloye said available data had continued to indicate that Igboora has a high concentration of twins, describing the phenomenon as one of the factors that has continued to give the community prominence.
“The data has shown that the concentration of twins is in Igboora and destiny has it that whoever has faith in the celebration would give birth to twins,” he said.
