The ancient town of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State came alive on Sunday, June 8, 2025, as the iconic Ojude Oba Festival made a vibrant return, drawing thousands of spectators, cultural enthusiasts, and dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond. Known as one of the most colourful and prestigious cultural events in Yorubaland, the festival lived up to expectations with a majestic display of tradition, pageantry, and unity.
Held annually two days after Eid-el-Kabir, Ojude Oba—meaning “the king’s forecourt”—is a time-honoured celebration where Ijebu indigenes gather to pay homage to their paramount ruler, the Awujale of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR. The 2025 edition was particularly significant as it marked a renewed cultural renaissance following years of socio-political turbulence and economic hardship.
Dating back to the 19th century, Ojude Oba began as an Islamic thanksgiving tradition, when early Muslim converts in Ijebu gathered to express appreciation to the Awujale for granting them religious freedom. Over time, the event evolved into a full-blown cultural festival, encompassing the entire Ijebu society regardless of religious or political affiliation.
Central to the spectacle are the regberegbe—age-grade groups that parade before the Awujale in elaborately coordinated attire, chanting traditional songs and showcasing their loyalty, creativity, and unity. This year’s regberegbe groups did not disappoint. Adorned in luxurious aso-oke, lace, and damask, they infused modern fashion into cultural roots, offering a dazzling fusion of the old and the new.
In his royal address, Oba Adetona praised the enduring unity and pride of the Ijebu people. “Ojude Oba is not just a festival—it is our identity, our bond, and our gift to Nigeria’s cultural landscape,” he said, emphasizing the festival’s role in promoting tourism and cultural heritage.
One of the most anticipated highlights of the festival is the horse-riding competition among Ijebu’s warrior families and nobility. Decorated horses, many wearing intricately beaded saddles and bridles, galloped through the arena to thunderous applause. The display served as a reminder of the community’s historical connection to equestrianism and its warrior past.
The air was filled with the rhythm of talking drums, sekere, and live Yoruba traditional music, creating a carnival atmosphere. Acrobatic dancers, masquerades, and performance troupes entertained the crowd, reaffirming the festival’s importance as a living museum of Yoruba art, music, and folklore.
This year’s festival also featured corporate sponsors, local brands, and diaspora representatives, turning the event into a socio-economic showcase. Notable figures from politics, business, and the diplomatic corps were present, further cementing Ojude Oba’s reputation as a unifying platform that bridges tradition and modernity.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, in his goodwill message, hailed the festival as a “symbol of communal pride and a tool for economic stimulation through tourism and cultural exchange.” He also reiterated his government’s support for preserving indigenous heritage and empowering local artisans.
Analysts note that Ojude Oba has become more than a traditional ceremony—it is now a strategic cultural asset. With Nigeria’s growing interest in creative and cultural industries, festivals like Ojude Oba offer opportunities for job creation, brand exposure, and community-driven development.
The 2025 edition witnessed strong youth participation, with younger generations increasingly drawn to the cultural and entrepreneurial possibilities embedded in such events. From textile merchants to digital content creators and hospitality providers, the festival proved to be a boon for the local economy.
As the sun set over Ijebu-Ode and the last of the regberegbe troupes bowed out, the 2025 Ojude Oba left an indelible mark on participants and observers alike. It reaffirmed the timeless values of respect for monarchy, unity in diversity, and pride in cultural heritage—values that continue to define the soul of the Ijebu people.
With such overwhelming turnout and elegance, the festival not only preserved its essence but also amplified its relevance in a modern Nigeria in search of cultural identity and national cohesion.
