Wale Jagun & Mariam Akinloye
-Qdot, Naira Marley, Bellashmuda, Cater Efe, others to perform
The Fanti Carnival Committee has unveiled its agenda for the second edition of the Ikorodu -Oga Fanti Carnival, a cultural and entertainment initiative launched last year as part of the annual Ikorodu -Oga Celebration.
This year’s edition is scheduled to hold at the Ikorodu Town Hall, Ikorodu, on Saturday, November 14th, 2026, with traditional Woro procession, cultural displays, music, dance, costumes, entertainment, quarter presentations and other activities designed to make a memorable experience.
QDot Alagbe, Ikorodu -born music act who has been scheduled for an award, will headline the fanti with Faboo and God Choice as host artistes, while Naira Marley, SlimCase, Small Doctor, Danny S, Bellashmuda, Cater Efe and Kolu are guest artistes.
HRM Oba Engr, AbdulKabiru Adewale Shotobi, Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kingdom, will be the Supreme Host, while Senator Mikhail Adetokunbo Abiru, Senator representing Lagos East, Hon Babajimi Adegoke Benson, MHR Ikorodu Federal Constituency, and Hon Gbolahan Ogunleye, Member, LAHA Ikorodu 1, are the Distinguished Hosts, and Hon Prince Abdulateef Adedayo Ladega, Executive Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, is the Chief Host.
Mr. Tobi Lawal, Chairman, Ibile Holding, is the Chairman of the Day and Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, will serve as the Special Guest of Honor.
Also expected at this year’s Fanti, are Government Officials, Royal Fathers, Conference 57 Chairmen of Lagos State, Councilors and Supervisory Councilors in Ikorodu Division.
Comrade Pelumi Olalekan Rado, Initiator / Coordinator, Ikorodu-Oga Fanti Carnival Committee, speaking at the Media Parley held at the Ikorodu Town Hall, unveiled activities lined up for the celebrations and what residents of Ikorodu and others coming around to celebrate with them, should be expecting.
“The public should expect a colorful and culturally rich celebration. There will be traditional Woro procession, cultural displays, music, dance, costumes, entertainment, quarter presentations and other activities designed to make the Fanti Carnival a memorable experience.
“Each of the three quarters will have the opportunity to present its own creativity and cultural expression, while maintaining the overall identity and standards of the Ikorodu-Oga Fanti Carnival. The Committee is also working with entertainment providers, cultural groups and other partners to ensure that the stage programme complements the procession and cultural presentations”.
He also hinted that the performances of the three major quarters in Ikorodu, that are going to be the centre of attraction on the day, will be graded and awarded in nine categories, while also stating that the overall purpose of the carnival must be maintained.
“Competition remains an important part of the carnival, but we want the competition to be conducted fairly and transparently. Indigenous Excellence Award. This award was created for the sons and daughters of ikorodu who are promoting the culture and people of lkorodu to the world.
“The Committee has identified a number of categories for this year’s judging, including: Best Captain, Best Marshal, Best Queen, Most Coordinated Procession, Most Beautiful Costumes, Most Colorful Parade, Most Cultural Representation, Best Performance and Best Assistant Captain”.
Explaining why the center of convergence has changed from the Ayangbure palace to Ikorodu Town Hall, Pelumi stated:
“For the 2026 edition, the Committee has adopted Ikorodu Ultra-Modern Town hall as the venue/return point for the Fanti Carnival with the approval of Alayeluwa Oba, Engr Abdulkabir Adewale Shotobi , Ayangburen of Ikorodu (Adegorunshen V). The decision is based on the need to provide sufficient space for participants, spectators, dignitaries, entertainment and other activities, while also improving crowd and traffic management.
“We have also taken into consideration the experience of last year’s edition and the need to ensure that the carnival does not unnecessarily disrupt major roads around the community.
“The Committee is working towards clearly defined entry and exit arrangements, including the use of designated gates and access points. Owolowo Gate will serve as the entrance, while Olubi Gate will serve strictly as the exit, subject to the final operational plan”, he added.
The coordinator of the planning committee, also unveiling the arrangement for the procession by the three main quarters which is a core aspect of the Fanti, with strict directives that they must comply with, said:
“One of the major changes we are emphasizing this year is strict adherence to the procession timetable. The three quarters will not come out at the same time. Each quarter has a designated time for its procession.
“Aga Parapo will commence its procession at 12:00pm. Ijomu Parapo will commence its procession at 1:00pm and Isele Alaro United will commence its procession at 2:00pm.
“These timings are important for proper coordination. We,therefore, appeal to all participants, quarter executives, spectators and supporters to cooperate with the Committee and security agencies by adhering strictly to the designated times. The procession will move through approved routes at a controlled pace. Participants are expected to maintain discipline and avoid unnecessary delays or excessive speed that may affect the movement of other quarters”.
Comrade Pelumi urged residents of Ikorodu to support the committee by taking ownership of the initiative.
“We are calling on the people of Ikorodu to take ownership of this Fanti Carnival. Come out peacefully. Support your quarter. Bring your families. Welcome visitors. Respect the culture. Follow security and traffic instructions. Keep the environment clean. Help us present Ikorodu in the best possible light. The success of this carnival will not be determined by the Committee alone, it will be determined by the collective attitude of the people.
Meanwhile, there will be a Walk for Fitness, scheduled for Saturday 24th October, 2026, with the aim of bringing together participants from the three quarters and other members of the Ikorodu community and also a mobilization and awareness programme for the Fanti Carnival.
Other pre -carnival activities listed are Coronation Nights by the three quarters where the leadership of the groups – Captains, Assistant Captains, Marshals, Queens and other designated leaders will be unveiled and installed.
Also speaking, Alhaji Fatai Kolawole, Chairman, Ikorodu -Oga Development Association (IKODASS), announced that the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, has endorsed the Ikorodu Fanti Carnival.
He commended the three quarters for their mobilization and performance last year, while also lauding the Comrade Pelumi led committee for the planning put in place so far for this year’s edition.
The IKODASS Chairman also appealed to Ikorodu residents, especially members of the three quarters to maintain decorum and ensure that the fanti recorded another success this year.
While also stating that the maiden edition held last year was an eye opener which opened the door, Alhaji Kolawole added that the 2026 edition will be better and greater.
The LNSC Commandant in Ikorodu Division, Mr Ibrahim Sanni, in his own submission, assured that necessary arrangements have been put in place for adequate security and traffic control and called for support of everyone.
He called for positive attitudes for the three quarters to have another successful outing this year.
