By Habeeb Ibrahim
Ikorodu, Lagos State, is set to host the second edition of the Ikorodu-Oga Fanti Carnival on Saturday, November 14, as organisers prepare to bring together residents and visitors for a celebration of the community’s cultural heritage.
The carnival, which was introduced in 2025 as part of the annual Ikorodu-Oga Festival, will feature traditional processions, cultural displays, music, dance and entertainment involving the three major traditional quarters in Ikorodu: Aga Parapo, Ijomu Parapo and Isele Alaro United.
The event, organised under the auspices of the Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS), will hold at the Ikorodu Ultra-Modern Town Hall, Ikorodu.
The three participating quarters are expected to showcase their cultural identities through colourful costumes, performances and processions, with organisers introducing a structured timetable to ensure effective coordination.
According to the carnival committee, Aga Parapo will commence its procession at 12 noon, followed by Ijomu Parapo at 1pm and Isele Alaro United at 2pm.
The procession will feature traditional Woro displays and other cultural activities before the groups converge at the designated venue.
Speaking ahead of the event, the carnival’s initiator and coordinator, Comrade Pelumi Olalekan Rado, said the initiative was conceived to make the annual Ikorodu-Oga Festival more inclusive by giving residents greater opportunities to participate in the celebration.
He said the carnival would also provide an opportunity for the three quarters to express their creativity and cultural identity while promoting unity among residents.
The chairman of IKODASS, Alhaji Kolawole Olayiwola Fatai Ogunfodunrin, described the carnival as an expression of Ikorodu’s cultural identity, historical heritage and communal unity.
He said the event had grown beyond a street celebration and would provide an opportunity for younger generations to appreciate and preserve their cultural heritage.
The 2026 edition will also feature musical performances by notable Nigerian entertainers, including Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, Malaika, Barry Jhay, Atawewe, Slimcase, Jesse King and other performers.
The organisers have also introduced nine award categories to recognise outstanding performances among the participating quarters. The categories include Best Captain, Best Marshal, Best Queen, Most Coordinated Procession, Most Beautiful Costumes, Most Colourful Parade, Most Cultural Representation, Best Performance and Best Assistant Captain.
The carnival has received the backing of the Ikorodu Local Government, which has pledged institutional and financial support towards its development as a cultural tourism attraction.
The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has also endorsed the initiative.
Meanwhile, the local government and security agencies have announced arrangements to manage traffic and maintain security during the celebration.
Residents and motorists have been advised to cooperate with security personnel and observe the designated procession routes and traffic arrangements.
Organisers said the second edition was expected to build on the maiden edition held in 2025, while strengthening Ikorodu’s cultural identity and positioning the community as a destination for cultural tourism.
