Ojude Oba Festival 2025: Ijebu Ode Bursts Into Life With A Dazzling Celebration Of Culture And Unity.
Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, came alive with vibrant colours, rhythmic drums, and unbridled joy on Sunday, 8 June 2025, as the annual Ojude Oba Festival unfolded in spectacular fashion. This cherished event, known as “The King’s Forecourt,” brought together thousands of Ijebu sons and daughters, alongside dignitaries and tourists from across Nigeria and beyond, to honour the Awujale of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, in a stunning display of cultural pride, heritage, and unity.
Held traditionally on the third day after Eid al-Kabir, the 2025 edition of the Ojude Oba Festival lived up to its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most glamorous and spiritual celebrations. With the theme “Ojude Oba: Unity and Harmony, Our Gift,” the festival showcased the rich traditions of the Ijebu people, a Yoruba subgroup renowned for their enterprise and affluence, through a blend of equestrian grace, elaborate attire, and communal festivities.
The day began with prayers led by the Imam of Ijebuland, followed by the National Anthem, Ogun State Anthem, and the Awujale Anthem, setting a reverent tone. The heart of the event was the parade of the “regberegbe,” or age groups, a hallmark of the festival. Over 90 groups, clad in exquisite traditional garments such as Aso Oke, Sanyan, and Adire, marched to the palace forecourt, their vibrant Agbadas, Iro, and Buba designs a feast for the eyes. Each group, from Obafuwaji to Gbobaniyi, competed to impress the Awujale, with the Balogun Kuku family clinching the top prize for the eighth consecutive year, walking away with a N500,000 cash award sponsored by Globacom Nigeria, a steadfast supporter of the festival.
The equestrian display stole the show, as the Balogun families—descendants of Ijebu war heroes like Balogun Odunuga and Balogun Adesoye—rode majestically on horses adorned with intricate beadwork, ornate saddles, and bright fabrics. Ceremonial gun salutes and the horses’ rhythmic trotting sent the crowd into a frenzy, blending tradition with a touch of aristocratic flair. Cultural performances, including drumming, dancing, and songs, filled the air, while local delicacies like Iyan, Efo Riro, and Amala delighted attendees.
The festival’s roots trace back to the 19th century, during the reign of Awujale Ademuyewo Afidipotemole, when Muslim converts, led by figures like Alli-Tubogun, paid homage to the king for granting religious freedom. Over time, this gesture evolved, absorbing elements of the earlier Odeda Festival and blossoming into the inclusive Ojude Oba, welcoming all faiths and backgrounds. Chief Balogun Kuku, a prominent Ijebu figure, played a pivotal role in shaping its modern form after converting to Islam in the 1890s, aligning the celebration with his new faith.
This year’s event drew a distinguished crowd, led by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to elevating the festival to a global stage, with aspirations for UNESCO recognition. Former Governor Gbenga Daniel, Senator representing Ogun East, and Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) of Ogun West made grand entrances, joined by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, whose elegant Yoruba attire earned praise online. Celebrities like Fuji legend K1 De Ultimate, Ebenezer Obey, and rising star Lil Kesh, who paired with a lady from the Keshinro family in coordinated traditional wear, added modern flair to the legacy.
Governor Abiodun hailed the festival as a symbol of Ijebu unity, hard work, and hospitality, noting its growing appeal as a tourist destination. “Ojude Oba is not only a cultural heritage for Ijebuland but a significant event that attracts local and foreign visitors, showcasing our traditions to the world,” he said. Over 200,000 attendees filled the venue, with tens of thousands more watching globally, a testament to its reach. Globacom, owned by Ijebu son Mike Adenuga, marked 20 years of sponsorship with a lavish bash featuring K1 De Ultimate and Ebenezer Obey.
The Ojude Oba Festival 2025 proved once again to be a breathtaking fusion of legacy and modernity, uniting communities, boosting tourism, and preserving Ijebu culture. As the crowds dispersed, the promise of next year’s celebration already sparked anticipation, with hopes it will continue to shine as a beacon of Nigeria’s rich heritage.