For the first time in 65 years, the Ojude Oba Festival is being held without a reigning Awujale on the throne, as thousands of Ijebu people gathered in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Friday to celebrate their rich cultural heritage.
The annual festival, known as one of Nigeria’s biggest cultural events, continued in grand style despite the absence of a substantive monarch following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July last year after a record 65-year reign.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, arrived for the 2026 edition of the festival, alongside other dignitaries.
Socio-cultural groups and age grades began arriving in grand style at the venue, setting the tone for a dazzling display of tradition, elegance and cultural pride. Participants appeared in coordinated and richly embroidered traditional attire, showcasing luxurious flowing agbadas, elegantly tied gele, and intricately designed beaded accessories.
Ahead of the festival, the Organising Committee had dismissed speculations that the annual event could be suspended due to the absence of the monarch and the delay in selecting his successor. The committee stated that the late monarch had expressly warned against the suspension of the festival during any period of interregnum.
Ojude Oba, which translates as “The King’s Court,” began as a gathering of Muslim faithful paying homage to the Awujale of Ijebuland after the Eid celebration. Over the years, the festival has evolved into a major cultural and tourism event with both national and international appeal.
The festival traditionally attracts top politicians, celebrities, business leaders and members of the Ijebu diaspora, all converging in Ijebu-Ode to honour the Awujale and celebrate Ijebu heritage, unity and identity. This year’s edition featured dazzling appearances by various age-grade groups and cultural associations, all competing in elegance, creativity and cultural pride, proving that the festival’s spirit remains unbroken even without a monarch on the stool.
