Convener of the Edo Carnival 2026, Daniel Eromosele, has dismissed concerns that indigenous entertainers would be sidelined during the much-publicised cultural event, assuring stakeholders that homegrown talents will play prominent roles when the carnival holds in December 2026.
The reassurance follows criticism that greeted the official unveiling of the carnival, themed “The Spirit of Edo,” held recently at the Protea Hotel, Benin City.
The event attracted top government officials and notable figures from Nigeria’s entertainment industry, including several Lagos-based celebrities.
Shortly after the unveiling, social media was awash with claims that the organisers had overlooked Edo-based entertainers by featuring mainly celebrities from outside the state at the launch.
Reacting to the controversy, Eromosele described the allegations as unfounded, stressing that the unveiling was designed primarily to create national visibility and build momentum for the carnival.
“What happened at the unveiling was essentially about creating the brand visibility required for a cultural carnival of this magnitude,” Eromosele said.
“I am an Edo son who has consistently championed cultural renaissance and the discovery of young talents over the years. I can categorically state that there is absolutely no plan to exclude home-based entertainers, as has been alleged on various social media platforms.”
According to him, extensive plans are already in place to ensure the active participation of indigenous entertainers, cultural groups and creative talents during the main carnival in December.
“It is unfair to drag a carnival that is already attracting attention across Nigeria and beyond into unnecessary controversy based on misinformation,” he added.
Eromosele appealed to stakeholders, entertainers and residents to remain patient and support the organisers in delivering a carnival that reflects the rich cultural heritage and creative excellence of Edo State.
He also expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government for providing an enabling environment for the promotion of the state’s cultural heritage through initiatives such as the carnival.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that some Edo-based entertainers reportedly demanded performance fees of up to N5 million to attend the unveiling ceremony, while some of their Edo counterparts based in Lagos accepted invitations for about N1 million. However, the organisers declined to comment officially on the reported fee negotiations.
