World’s First Goat Chasing Competition Debuts in Ondo, Draws 40,000 Spectators
“Thousands of excited spectators filled the Ondo State Sports Stadium as Nigeria hosted the world’s first-ever Kolokun Goat Chasing Competition, a thrilling new sporting spectacle designed to promote youth empowerment, entertainment, tourism, and economic growth through the globally celebrated Asun Carnival.”
“Thousands gathered at the Ondo State Sports Stadium as Nigeria hosted the world’s first Kolokun Goat Chasing Competition during the 2026 Asun Carnival. The event, founded by Olawanle Akinboboye, attracted over 40,000 spectators and is being projected as Africa’s next major tourism spectacle.”
The world’s first-ever Kolokun (Goat Chasing Competition) made a historic debut on May 2, 2026, at the Ondo State Sports Stadium, drawing massive attention as one of the standout attractions of the annual Asun Carnival in Ondo State.
The innovative sporting event was founded by renowned tourism promoter and cultural visionary, Olawanle Akinboboye, popularly known as Otunba Dr. Chief Olawanle Akinboboye.
Speaking during a world press conference ahead of the event, Akinboboye explained that the initiative was created to engage and empower youths while promoting healthy competition, entertainment, tourism development, and economic opportunities.
According to him, goats should not only be viewed as a source of food but also as a source of recreation and cultural entertainment.
“The Kolokun goat chasing competition holds strong significance in the Asun Carnival because Asun itself is made from goat meat — a delicacy believed to have originated from the Ondo people of Southwest Nigeria,” he said.
Asun, a popular spicy smoked goat meat delicacy, has become widely celebrated across Nigeria and beyond.
The maiden edition of the Kolokun competition reportedly attracted more than 40,000 spectators to the stadium.
In the contest, registered participants lined up at one end of the pitch while a goat was released several metres ahead, triggering an intense chase across the field amid loud cheers from the crowd.
The goats reportedly dodged and twisted through the field as competitors pursued them in what spectators described as a highly entertaining display of speed, endurance, and agility.
At the end of the contest, winners emerged in both the male and female categories.
Akinnifesi Temidayo won the male category, while Precious Ngozi emerged winner in the female category. Organisers disclosed that the children’s category was later nullified.
The winners received goats valued at N150,000 as prizes.
Akinboboye noted that the competition could help stimulate commercial goat rearing and boost economic activities in Ondo State.
“We used just ten goats this year, but next year we plan to use twenty goats for the Asun Carnival and Kolokun competition,” he stated.
He added that the organisers expect over 100,000 attendees at the next edition and are already encouraging hotel operators, food vendors, and local businesses to prepare for increased tourism and commercial activities.
Drawing comparisons with Spain’s globally recognised “Running of the Bulls” festival held annually during the San Fermín Festival, Akinboboye expressed confidence that the Kolokun Goat Chasing Competition could evolve into a major international tourism event in the future.
