The annual Ojude Oba Festival, one of Nigeria’s most prominent cultural events, is set to return in 2025 with expectations of over 100,000 attendees in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
Held on the third day after the Islamic Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the festival takes place at the Awujale Pavilion under the leadership of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona. It is renowned for its vibrant display of Yoruba heritage, community pride, and cultural unity.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday, the Coordinator of the Ojude Oba Festival Committee, Fassy Yusuf, said this year’s edition is scheduled for a Sunday and will be streamed globally from the Utoro centre. He added that millions of viewers are expected to join online.
Ojude Oba, meaning “the King’s Forecourt,” originated in the 19th century as a gathering of Muslim converts led by Imam Tunwatoba, who visited Awujale Ademuyewo Afidipotemole to express gratitude for religious freedom. Over time, the event evolved from a small Muslim homage into an inclusive cultural celebration open to all faiths and backgrounds.
Before the festival’s emergence, traditional worshippers in Ijebuland celebrated the Odeda Festival. However, with the spread of Islam and the conversion of prominent Ijebu figures like Chief Kuku, a new celebration—initially known as Ita Oba—was introduced. This later became Ojude Oba.
Today, the festival features colorful parades, traditional fashion, cultural dances, musical performances, and horse riding. Participants don attire made from fabrics such as Aso Oke, Sanyan, and Adire, reflecting the rich textile heritage of the Yoruba people.
A major highlight is the parade of age-grade groups known as Regbe Regbe. Groups such as Obafuwaji, Bobagbimo, Gbobalaye, and Gbobaniyi present coordinated performances and greetings to the monarch, often competing for cash prizes sponsored by corporate and individual donors.
Over 90 such groups currently participate, representing men and women across various professions and social backgrounds.
The event also features dramatic horse displays from prominent Balogun families, including Balogun Kuku, Balogun Odunuga, and Balogun Alausa. These performances remain a central attraction.
Although suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, the festival has regained popularity and now plays a significant role in boosting tourism and local economic activity in Ogun State. It is celebrated alongside other regional festivals such as Lisabi Festival and Ikenne Ereke Day.
The festival has also gained a large international following, driven by social media coverage. In 2024, visuals of Farooq Oreagba, the CEO-designate of NG Clearing Limited, and members of the Regbe Regbe went viral, attracting global admiration.
Minister of Culture, Art, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, disclosed in 2024 that the Federal Government is working towards securing UNESCO recognition for the Ojude Oba Festival as a protected cultural heritage event.
Corporate sponsors, including Globacom Nigeria, continue to support the event, alongside influencers, fashion designers, food vendors, and entertainers.
As preparations for the next edition continue, expectations remain high for yet another grand showcase of Ijebu tradition and Nigerian cultural excellence.
Nzubechukwu Eze
