The 2025 Ojude Oba Festival held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, brought colour, tradition, and excitement as the Ijebu people and guests gathered to celebrate Yoruba heritage in grand style.
The annual event, held on the third day after Eid-el-Kabir (Sallah), is one of Nigeria’s most respected cultural celebrations. It honours the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, and showcases the unity and pride of the Ijebu people.
From early Sunday morning, the town of Ijebu-Ode came alive with traditional music, cultural dances, horse riding, and beautifully dressed groups wearing local fabrics such as Adire, Aso Oke, Agbada, Iro, and Buba.
One of the major highlights was the colourful parade of age-grade groups known as Regbe Regbe. These groups – including Gbobaniyi, Bobagbimo, Gbobalaye, and Obafuwari – took turns to pay homage to the king with dance, prayer, and gifts, while also competing for attention and prizes from sponsors.
Also present were the famous Balogun families, such as Balogun Adenuga, Balogun Alatise, Balogun Adesoye, Balogun Alausa, and Balogun Kuku, whose members arrived in style, riding decorated horses and dressed in royal-like attire.
Speaking about the meaning of the festival, a participant, Sade Ogunwusi, said, “Ojude Oba is more than a celebration. It is our history, our identity, and a chance for us to show our culture with pride.”
Another guest, Tunde Fakoya, described the festival as a huge attraction. “People travel from Lagos, Abuja, and even abroad to attend. It’s exciting to see our culture honoured this way,” he said.
This year’s edition was not only about culture but also economic opportunity. Hotels and guesthouses in Ijebu-Ode were fully booked, while food vendors, fashion designers, and transport workers all reported good sales. Many brands and companies also sponsored the event, with banners and advertisements placed across major streets leading to the Awujale Pavilion.
The popular figure, Farooq Oreagba, also returned to the festival, once again drawing attention with his stylish outfit and presence. Referred to as the “King of Steeze,” his look became a favourite among photographers and fashion lovers.
To ensure safety, security officers from various agencies were deployed across the town, and no major incidents were reported.
The Special Adviser to the Governor of Ogun State on Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Yetunde Adebayo, praised the peaceful celebration. “Ojude Oba shows what is possible when culture meets unity. We thank all the groups, sponsors, and visitors for making it a success,” she said.
The festival, which did not hold in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has now fully returned to its former glory, drawing both national and international attention.
As the crowd dispersed in the evening, many participants expressed joy and said they were already looking forward to the 2026 edition.
