***As Tourism Icon Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye Honours Female Winner with N150,000 Prize
By Florencemary Nwabueze
The world witnessed a historic moment in Ondo State, Nigeria, as the inaugural World Kolokun (Goat Chasing) Competition made its debut at the Ondo State Sports Stadium. The uniquely entertaining event was a highlight of the annual Asun Carnival, a festival deeply rooted in the culture of the Ondo people.
Founded by renowned tourism visionary, Otunba Dr. Chief Olawanle Akinboboye, Kolokun is more than just a spectacle—it is a sport designed to engage and empower youths, foster healthy competition, and provide thrilling entertainment for host communities.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the competition held on May 2, 2026, Otunba Akinboboye explained the creative inspiration behind the event. "Goats are not only for consumption," he said. "They can also serve as a source of entertainment—an idea brought to life through the Kolokun competition."
The competition holds special significance within the Asun Carnival, which takes place annually in Ondo City. "Asun"—smoked goat meat—is a beloved delicacy that originated from the Ondo people of Southwest Nigeria. Traditionally smoked and now often prepared on a barbecue grill with spicy pepper sauce, Asun is central to the region's culinary identity.
The 2026 Kolokun competition drew a crowd of over 40,000 spectators to the stadium. Registered competitors lined up at the edge of the pitch while several goats were released a short distance ahead. At the signal, participants chased the animals with remarkable speed and determination, weaving and sprinting as the goats dodged and darted—turning the field into a live theatre of excitement.
"The reward is enticing," Otunba Akinboboye noted. Winners who successfully caught a goat walked away with N150,000 each. In the male category, Akinnifesi Temidayo emerged victorious, while Precious Ngozi claimed the top spot in the female category. The children’s category was nullified for this edition.
Otunba Akinboboye emphasized the economic impact of the prize. "For the young female winner, N150,000 could pay school fees, help start a side business, or support a small trading venture that grows into a sustainable enterprise."
Reflecting on the event’s future, he shared ambitious plans for the next edition. "Next year, we will use 20 goats instead of ten. We’ll create opportunities for vendors inside and outside the stadium to sell Asun meat to the over 100,000 people expected to attend. We also encourage hotel owners to prepare for the influx of visitors. They have months to get ready."
Drawing a global parallel, Otunba Akinboboye said, "The running of the bulls in Spain is a world-famous event. The Kolokun goat chasing competition in Ondo will soon be even bigger."
With its blend of culture, sport, and youth empowerment, the Kolokun competition is poised to become a major tourism attraction, putting Ondo State on the global map for innovation in cultural entertainment.