Veteran Nollywood actor Ibrahim Chatta captivated both dignitaries and cultural enthusiasts as he joined the illustrious Balogun Adesoye dynasty in a grand parade during the 2025 edition of the Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. The celebrated actor was a showstopper as he rode alongside Osi Balogun Adegboyega Adesoye, marking one of the most colourful and talked-about moments of this year’s festival.
Held on Sunday, June 8, the 2025 Ojude Oba festival drew thousands of attendees including Governor Dapo Abiodun, Olori Adetona, Minister of Culture and Creative Economy Barrister Hannatu Musawa, top monarchs, and dignitaries from all walks of life.
In an interview with our correspondent, Ibrahim Chatta expressed deep appreciation for being part of the revered tradition. “This is one of the proudest moments of my life,” Chatta said. “Being part of the Ojude Oba festival through the Balogun Adesoye’s dynasty – right here with the Ijebu people – was beyond anything I imagined. The love I received, the warmth, the cheers. I felt it deeply. It was overwhelming in the most beautiful way.”
Chatta, who is known for his deep-rooted passion for Yoruba culture, added that the Ojude Oba Festival signifies more than just celebration. “Ojude Oba is more than a festival — it’s a celebration of unity, heritage, and pride. For over a century, it has stood as a symbol of the Ijebu people’s cultural strength, and I’m incredibly honoured to be part of that legacy and grateful to the Balogun Adesoye dynasty for extending the invitation to be part of it.”
This year’s edition featured over 80 elegantly dressed regberegbe groups (social clubs) and around 20 families of horse riders, including the Balogun Kuku and Balogun Adesoye dynasties, who paid homage to the Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, in grand style.
The climax of the festival was the majestic entry of the Balogun Adesoye family, led by Osi Balogun Adegboyega Adesoye and flanked by Ibrahim Chatta, mounted on horses in a breathtaking parade that turned heads across the festival grounds. The dynasty paraded 70 horses—one of the largest numbers at the event—earning them a standing ovation from guests in the VIP stands and general crowd alike.
Dressed in radiant yellow traditional attire and matching fila, Chatta stood out not only in looks but also in delivery. He recited the Adesoye family’s panegyrics in flawless Yoruba, echoing through the pavilions and further deepening the festival’s cultural atmosphere. His performance was a blend of theatre, oral tradition, and royal tribute.
The Balogun Adesoye family had earlier thrilled the streets of Ijebu-Ode with a processional display that started from their ancestral house at Oke-Ijasi. Fans and culture lovers lined the streets to cheer as Chatta and the horse-riders danced, sang, and displayed regal charm on their way to the main festival arena.
Reflecting on the festival’s success, Osi Balogun Adegboyega Adesoye remarked, “It’s a feeling of deep fulfilment and pure joy. Everything we poured into our preparations paid off beautifully. Seeing our family’s vibrant performance at the festival ground was truly rewarding.”
He added that the 2025 celebration has reinforced family unity and inspired greater commitment to preserving the legacy of the late Balogun Fasasi Adesoye Onasanya. “We’ve definitely raised the bar, and I can confidently say — this is only the beginning. From here, it only gets better.”
With his powerful blend of Nollywood fame and cultural rootedness, Ibrahim Chatta’s presence at Ojude Oba 2025 not only elevated the event’s prestige but also reinforced the bridge between entertainment and cultural preservation. His participation is already being hailed as one of the most iconic moments in recent festival history.