The 2026 Ojude Oba Festival unfolded as more than a colourful cultural gathering, emerging as a powerful moment of remembrance, reflection and renewal for the people of Ijebuland.
Held in the historic town of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, the annual celebration drew thousands of participants from across Nigeria and various parts of the world.
Sons and daughters of Ijebuland returned home in large numbers, joining tourists, dignitaries, celebrities and business leaders for one of the country’s most celebrated cultural festivals.
This year’s edition, however, carried a special significance. It was the first Ojude Oba festival since the death of the revered Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who passed away in July 2025 after spending 65 years on the throne.
As a result, the event served not only as a cultural celebration but also as a tribute to a monarch widely credited with elevating the status of traditional leadership and promoting Ijebuland on the global stage.
Throughout the town, vibrant colours dominated the landscape.
Traditional drums echoed across the festival grounds, horse riders displayed remarkable skill, and families reunited in a grand celebration of identity, heritage and communal pride.
The event, held on May 29, attracted several notable personalities, including Seyi Tinubu, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa, and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Speaking on behalf of the late Awujale, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Chief Sonny Kuku, reflected on the remarkable growth of the festival over the years.
“It is very gratifying for me that what we started is getting bigger and bigger and bigger,” he told Channels Television.
His remarks highlighted the transformation of Ojude Oba from a traditional homage ceremony into a globally recognised cultural institution.
“Ojude Oba has opened the eyes of the Ijebu people to the fact that we need to develop more.
”It has also opened our eyes to social welfare. The essence of the festival is to pay homage to the Kabiyesi on the third day of the Ileya celebration.
”It is a uniting factor. Christians, Muslims and traditional worshippers come together and pay homage to one person,” he added.
The spirit of unity described by Kuku remained evident throughout the celebration.
Participants from different religious backgrounds, age groups and social classes gathered under one banner, reinforcing the festival’s reputation as a symbol of harmony and togetherness.
Stakeholders at the event pointed to the growing international status of Ojude Oba, describing it as one of Nigeria’s most successful cultural exports.
Minister Musawa said the festival had become a shining example of how culture can be promoted on the world stage.
“Ojude Oba has become a global phenomenon, really the bastion of showcasing our culture.
”There is no better personification of expressing Nigerian culture, especially Yoruba culture.
“My hope is that this will become a template for how we continue to grow other cultures and festivals across Nigeria as the government works hard to build partnerships with different states so that each state can showcase its unique festivals.
”I hope that Ojude Oba will remain a staple for exporting our culture to the world,” she said.
Governor Abiodun also praised the festival, describing it as a demonstration of peaceful coexistence and cultural excellence.
“We are building a state that honours its heritage because culture is not only our identity, but also a source of social cohesion and economic opportunity.
“This is why we have positioned Ojude Oba as a flagship within our tourism development agenda.
”Today, the economic impact of the festival is visible everywhere as hotels are fully occupied, businesses are flourishing, artisans are engaged, and our youths are being productively empowered,” the governor stated.
For many attendees, the significance of Ojude Oba extends far beyond the ceremonies and entertainment.
The festival has become a major annual reunion, bringing together Ijebu indigenes living across Nigeria and abroad.
The Sobaloju of Egbaland described the celebration as a cultural event that has firmly established itself as a permanent fixture on the national calendar.
“Ojude Oba Festival is a festival that has come of age, and I can tell you it has come to stay.
“I will implore other states and ethnic groups to emulate Ojude Oba. People come from all walks of life, from the United Kingdom, Canada and other parts of the world. Ijebu sons and daughters everywhere are here today,” he said.
He also emphasised the economic benefits generated by the festival.
“The economic importance is enormous. Billions of naira are brought into Ijebuland.
”To get a hotel room in Ijebu during this period, you often have to book four, five or six months ahead.
“Food vendors, transport operators, artisans and many others benefit. It has improved the economy of Ijebuland.
”I want to appeal to the Ijebu people to keep the flag flying,” he stated.
Organisers are now looking beyond national recognition and pursuing international acknowledgment for the festival.
The Bagbimo of Ijebu and long-time festival coordinator, Professor Adetokunboh Fassy, revealed that efforts are ongoing to secure recognition from UNESCO.
According to him, Ojude Oba has evolved into a powerful symbol of cultural pride, religious tolerance and social unity.
He noted that the celebration now attracts people from different backgrounds and faiths, reflecting the inclusive values for which the Ijebu people are known.
The festival also continues to influence how younger Nigerians connect with their cultural roots.
Fashion designer Sewa Similara described her experience as transformative.
“As a Gen Z, this has been a huge game-changer in the way we perceive Nigeria,” she said.
She added that “our culture has depth that many of us do not fully understand. Coming to this beautiful experience is truly amazing.”
Her comments reflected the views of many young participants who see Ojude Oba as a bridge between modern lifestyles and traditional values.
Former House of Representatives aspirant for Ijebu-Ode Constituency, Adetunji Olugbesan of the Obaneye family group, also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government institutions, local communities and cultural organisations.
He noted that festivals such as Ojude Oba provide valuable opportunities for leaders to interact directly with the people.
One of the festival’s most captivating attractions remained the parade of the Regberegbe age-grade groups.
More than 40 groups made grand entrances into the arena, turning the venue into a spectacular display of colour, elegance and family heritage.
Among the participating groups were Balogun Kuku, Josi Jonda family, Eleshi Kegberegbe, Agbongbadri Adebule, Omoba Sadiku Odedeji, Eleshi Omo Ajibike, Eleshin Oreagba and the Aregbesola family group.
Dressed in coordinated outfits and elaborate designs, members paid homage to the royal institution while greeting dignitaries present at the event.
Their appearance served as a reminder of the rich traditions and strong family ties that continue to define Ijebu society.
Beyond its cultural significance, Ojude Oba has increasingly become one of Nigeria’s biggest fashion showcases.
This year’s edition featured an impressive display of luxury fabrics, elegant agbadas, colourful aso-oke, lace materials and beautifully styled gele headpieces.
Coral beads, gold accessories, embroidered caps, customised walking sticks and fashionable sunglasses completed many of the eye-catching outfits.
The glamour was further enhanced by the attendance of celebrities and social media influencers, including actors Rotimi Salami and Jide Awobona, media personality Beauty Goddess, socialite Farooq Oreagba, actress Eniola Badmus, influencer Samuel Banks, fashion enthusiast Akin Faminu and reality television personality Kaybobo.
Oreagba, who gained widespread popularity from previous editions of the festival, once again became a major attraction as he rode into the arena on horseback dressed in a white agbada, purple cap and his signature sunglasses, drawing loud applause from spectators.
As expected, one of the most eagerly awaited highlights of the festival was the famous Balogun horse parade.
Descendants of ancient warrior families rode majestically into the arena on beautifully decorated horses adorned with colourful fabrics and traditional ornaments.
The riders displayed exceptional horsemanship while ceremonial gunshots echoed across the venue, creating a dramatic atmosphere that captivated spectators.
Accompanied by energetic drumming, chants and traditional music, the parade provided a vivid glimpse into the military history and cultural traditions of Ijebuland.
Security personnel maintained a strong presence throughout the event, ensuring a peaceful and orderly celebration for residents, visitors and dignitaries.
As the curtains fell on the 2026 edition, Ojude Oba once again reaffirmed its status as one of Nigeria’s most important cultural festivals.
Beyond the colours, fashion and festivities, the event stood as a tribute to a departed monarch, a reunion for a global community and a powerful reminder that culture remains a living force connecting generations across time.
