The Executive Chairman of Saki West Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Olaleye Akinola, has extended his warmest greetings and felicitations to the Okere of Sakiland, His Royal Majesty, Oba DDrKhalid Oyeniyi Olabisi Oyedepo III, as the ancient city prepares for the 2026 Beere Cultural Festival.
In a statement celebrating the commencement of the nine-day festivities, Hon. Akinola lauded the monarch’s unwavering commitment to preserving the cultural and traditional heritage of the Saki people. He described the Beere Festival as more than just a ceremony, but a “unifying platform” that strengthens the bonds of communal living among the sons and daughters of Saki, both at home and in the diaspora.
The festival, which is historically rooted in the communal re-roofing of the monarch’s palace using “Beere” (thatch), serves as an annual reaffirmation of allegiance by chiefs, baales, and community leaders to the Okere. Hon. Akinola noted that the age-old customs associated with the festival—such as restrictions on bush burning and the requirement for farmers to create fire traces—reflect the sophisticated environmental consciousness of Saki’s ancestors.
“The Beere Festival is a testament to our collective strength and our respect for the environment,” the Chairman stated. “It is an honor to witness our community come together to uphold a tradition that has shaped our identity for generations.”
Aligning with the aspirations of the festival’s Planning Committee, Hon. Akinola joined the call for the Federal and State Governments to increase their support for the event. He emphasised that with structured government presence, the Beere Festival has the potential to become a major cultural tourism asset for Oyo State, attracting global recognition and driving local economic growth.
The 2026 celebrations are scheduled to run from May 10 to May 18. The Planning Committee has outlined a robust itinerary:
- Commencement: The festival kicks off with Ibori Day on May 10.
- Grand Finale: The nine-day event will culminate in a spectacular grand finale on May 18 at the Oyo State Agricultural Development Agency (OYSADA) Sports Complex in Saki.
Hon. Akinola urged all residents and visitors to celebrate peacefully, noting that the local government remains committed to providing a secure and festive environment for the thousands of well-wishers expected to descend upon the city.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Saki West Local Government,” the Chairman concluded, “I wish Kabiyesi a successful and record-breaking Beere Festival. May his reign continue to bring peace, prosperity, and cultural reawakening to our land.”
