Kakaaki-Oba Festival
Araromi Ekiti 2026
Heritage · Identity · Togetherness
A New Chapter for
Araromi Ekiti
The Kakaaki-Oba Festival is the bold reimagining of the beloved Annual Araromi Day — broadened in scope, richer in design, and grander in ambition. This inaugural 2026 edition is not merely a celebration; it is a statement of cultural confidence and communal resolve.
Conceived to be a true destination festival, Kakaaki-Oba is engineered to draw visitors, spectators, and guests from across Nigeria and the diaspora into the heart of Araromi Ekiti — transforming the community into a vibrant hub of culture, commerce, and connection for three memorable days every August.
At its core, Kakaaki-Oba is an economic and developmental instrument. Every event, every procession, every ceremony is thoughtfully designed to spotlight Araromi Ekiti's heritage to the world — creating visibility that attracts investment, drives development, and makes the community impossible to overlook. Sponsors and partners who align with Kakaaki-Oba are not just backing a festival; they are backing a community's rise.
The 2026 edition is themed "Heritage · Identity · Togetherness" — an affirmation that our roots are our greatest strength, our identity is our compass, and our unity is our superpower.
Three Days of Extraordinary Experience
Three Days. One Kingdom.
Thursday
- 7:00 – 10:00 AM: Prayer by Pastors, Imams, Traditional Leaders & Araromi Community
- 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Dancing Round the Town — Led by Apiiri Cultural Performance
- 4:00 – 6:00 PM: Ere Ode (Hunters Performance) — Oke Araromi through Front of Agbara
Friday
- 7:00 – 9:30 AM: Ere Ayo Olopon, Ere Ayo Ludo & Ere Ayo Draft (simultaneous)
- 9:30 – 11:00 AM: Yotomi Apiiri Group Performing Round the Community
- 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Ere Agogo
- 2:00 – 4:00 PM: Football Competition
- 6:30 – 7:30 PM: Alaaluyi Celebrations
- 7:45 – 8:45 PM: Sugudu Night
- 8:45 PM – 12:00 AM: OMIDAN KAKAAKI
The programme may be extended based on the activities lined up for the competition.
Saturday
- 7:00 – 9:00 AM: Musicians on Set (High Chief Alasela, Yotomi, Avalgold & Two Others); Arrival & Procession of Youths, Elegbejegbe (Age-Grade Societies) & Quarters
- 9:00 – 10:00 AM: Arrival of Special Guests, Traditional Rulers, Executive Governor/Deputy Governor & the Host, HRM Oba Gabriel Babatunde Adebomi Babalola
- 10:00 – 10:15 AM: Opening Prayer
- 10:30 AM – 1:15 PM: Midday Procession — Paying Homage to Kabiyesi, Alararomi of Araromi Ekiti
- 1:15 – 1:45 PM: Showcasing of Eegun Alaaluyi & Other Masquerades
- 1:45 – 2:30 PM: Launching of the Ultra-Modern Community Hall
- 2:30 – 4:30 PM: Omidan Kakaaki Crowning & Gift Presentation
- 4:30 – 5:00 PM: Royal Address & Blessing — HRM Oba Gabriel Babatunde Adebomi Babalola
Key Upcoming Dates
Sugudu Night —
The Sacred Lantern Walk
Among all the events of Kakaaki-Oba, none carries the weight of history more profoundly than Sugudu Night. As darkness falls on the first day of the festival, the four quarters of Araromi Ekiti awaken in a blaze of amber light.
Each quarter, led by their reigning chief, assembles in procession — every household carrying a Sugudu, the traditional local lantern that has lit the paths of Araromi Ekiti for generations. The lantern-bearers converge from all corners of the community on the sacred Abe Igi Odan — the hallowed ground beneath the ancient Odan tree — where the Alararomi awaits them.
Sugudu Night is more than spectacle; it is a living covenant — a reaffirmation of the bond between the throne, the chiefs, the quarters, and every son and daughter of Araromi Ekiti, wherever they may be in the world.
Organising & Planning Committee
The Kakaaki-Oba Festival 1.0 is brought to life by a dedicated body of sons and daughters of Araromi Ekiti — from the Grand Coordinator down through seven specialised Directorates, the Home Front Directorate, and the Omidan Kakaaki Pageantry Directorate.
High Chief Lawrence Ajayi
High Chief Adefemi Olowookere
High Chief Bolarinwa Ojo
Chief Bolaji Aina
Chief Taiwo Ajayi
CPC enquiries: contact us here.
Omidan Kakaaki 2026 Pageantry
The Omidan Kakaaki Pageantry is the cultural ambassadorship pageant of the Kakaaki-Oba Festival. It celebrates the beauty, intellect, and community spirit of young women of Araromi Ekiti heritage — at home and in the diaspora.
The winner is crowned Omidan Kakaaki 2026 and serves as a cultural ambassador for Araromi Ekiti for one year — championing the community's development, culture, and heritage across her platforms and networks.
Eligibility at a Glance
- Aged 18–25 on 19 August 2026
- Current undergraduate or graduate of a recognised institution
- Of Araromi Ekiti heritage through at least one parent
- Currently single (no registered civil or traditional marriage)
₦10,000 (Ten Thousand Naira) — non-refundable. Payment is required before submission.
Voting Has Closed
Thank you to everyone who voted! Results will be announced by the Pageantry Directorate.
What Contestants Do
More Festival Events
The full 2026 programme has been finalised by the Programme Sub-Committee:
The programme may be extended based on the activities lined up for the competition.