The ancient city of Oyo roared with colour, chants, and the fiery spirit of Sango over the weekend as the 2025 World Sango Festival climaxed in a historic moment: the official presentation of the UNESCO World Heritage Certificate to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Abdulhakeem Owoade I.
The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, led the symbolic handover, describing the recognition as a turning point for Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the minister, Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement on Sunday quote her thus,
“We celebrate not just a festival, but a legacy,” Musawa told the cheering crowd. “With this UNESCO inscription, Sango’s heritage now stands as a global treasure — one that connects the Yoruba nation to humanity at large.”
The Alaafin, visibly moved, hailed the recognition as a triumph for Yoruba identity and thanked President Bola Tinubu’s administration for backing the push that placed the festival on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The festival, famed for its vibrant displays of music, drumming, masquerades, fire-spitting rituals, and processions honouring Sango, the Yoruba god of thunder — drew dignitaries, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and abroad.
Observers say UNESCO’s nod will not only preserve the traditions of the Oyo people but also position the Sango Festival as a driver of tourism, youth employment, and cultural pride.
For Oyo, the thunder god’s flames have never burned brighter — now crackling on the world stage.