The ancient town of Ijebu-Ode came alive on Friday as thousands of residents, tourists, cultural enthusiasts and prominent personalities converged on the city for the 2026 Ojude-Oba Festival, a colourful celebration of culture, tradition and communal unity.
The annual festival transformed the town into a vibrant spectacle of dazzling colours, glamour and cultural splendour, with beautifully adorned men, women and youths showcasing the rich heritage of the Ijebu people.
The event featured breathtaking horse-riding displays, elegant parades by Regberegbe age-grade groups, traditional music performances and an array of richly embroidered attires, further cementing Ojude-Oba’s reputation as one of Africa’s foremost cultural festivals.
Speaking at the occasion, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the festival as a potent symbol of peaceful coexistence, cultural sophistication and communal harmony.
The governor noted that his administration has strategically positioned Ojude-Oba as a flagship tourism product capable of driving economic growth and attracting global attention to Ogun State.
According to him, the state government is working closely with relevant stakeholders to enhance the international profile of the festival while safeguarding the authentic traditions and cultural values of the Ijebu people.
“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 prosperity,” Abiodun said.
He added that the economic benefits of the festival were evident across Ijebuland, with hotels recording full occupancy, local businesses witnessing increased patronage, artisans gaining opportunities and youths being meaningfully engaged.
Governor Abiodun observed that this year’s edition carried special significance as it was the first Ojude-Oba celebration following the passing of the revered Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
Paying tribute to the late monarch, the governor described him as an iconic traditional ruler whose remarkable 65-year reign elevated Ijebuland culturally, socially and politically while redefining traditional leadership in Nigeria.
“This year’s Ojude-Oba Festival carries profound significance. It is the first celebration since the glorious transition of our revered monarch, Oba Sikiru Adetona, whose remarkable reign shaped and transformed the institution of traditional rulership in Nigeria,” he stated.
Abiodun disclosed that the late Awujale had expressed his desire that the festival should continue uninterrupted after his transition, emphasizing that Ojude-Oba remains a sacred cultural institution that binds generations together.
The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and solidarity with the people of Ijebuland during the mourning period, noting that such support helped maintain peace, continuity and stability in the kingdom.
While calling for prayers for victims of insecurity across the country, Abiodun urged Nigerians to remember families affected by banditry and violent attacks.
He further lauded the organisers, Regberegbe groups and the entire people of Ijebuland for preserving the rich cultural heritage of the kingdom and ensuring the successful staging of the festival despite the recent transition.
The governor noted that Ojude-Oba has evolved from a post-Eid homage-paying gathering into a globally celebrated cultural event that attracts people from diverse religious, social and generational backgrounds.
“Today, Ojude-Oba stands as a symbol of unity, honour, continuity and cultural pride where visitors from across the world gather to witness the splendour of our traditions, the elegance of our attire and the discipline of the age-grade groups,” he added.
Abiodun also linked the festival’s success to his administration’s “Building Our Future Together” agenda, which focuses on investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, youth empowerment and tourism development.
He urged younger generations to preserve and promote the cultural heritage handed down by their forebears, stressing that culture must continue to evolve without losing its essence.
Earlier, Chairman of the Ojude-Oba Planning Committee, Chief Olu Okuboyejo, described the festival as a celebration of unity, identity and continuity, providing an opportunity for sons and daughters of Ijebuland to reconnect with their roots.
Okuboyejo said the 2026 edition was particularly emotional and historic as it marked the first celebration after the demise of Oba Sikiru Adetona, whose reign brought immense honour and global recognition to Ijebuland.
Among dignitaries at the event were Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isiaq Kunle Salako; former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba; traditional rulers, captains of industry, religious leaders and other distinguished guests.
