30/05/2026
Ojude Oba 2026: Culture, Tradition and Colour Take Centre Stage as Abiodun Hails Unity
…..As Corporate Sponsors showcase their Brands.
Thousands of beautifully adorned men, women, youths, and cultural enthusiasts from all walks of life on Friday converged on the ancient town of Ijebu-Ode for the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival, transforming the city into a vibrant display of colour, glamour, heritage, and tradition.
The annual cultural celebration came alive with spectacular horse-riding processions, richly embroidered attires, rhythmic traditional music, and elegant performances by the Regberegbe groups, reaffirming Ojude Oba’s status as one of Africa’s most iconic cultural festivals.
Visitors, tourists, dignitaries, and sons and daughters of Ijebuland from across Nigeria and the diaspora gathered to witness the colourful spectacle, which blended tradition, fashion, unity, and cultural pride in grand style.
Speaking at the event, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described Ojude Oba as a powerful symbol of peaceful coexistence, communal harmony, and cultural sophistication.
Governor Abiodun said his administration had deliberately positioned the festival as a flagship of Ogun State’s tourism development agenda to harness its immense cultural and economic potential.
According to him, the state government is working with critical stakeholders to further enhance the festival’s global visibility while preserving the authentic heritage and traditions 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 opportunity,” the governor said.
“This is why we have positioned Ojude Oba as a flagship within our tourism development agenda. Today, the economic impact of the festival is evident everywhere. Hotels are fully occupied, businesses are thriving, artisans are engaged, and our youths are being productively empowered.”
Governor Abiodun noted that the 2026 edition of the festival carries special historical significance as it is the first celebration since the passing of the revered Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
He paid glowing tribute to the late monarch, describing him as an institution whose 65-year reign transformed traditional leadership and elevated Ijebuland culturally, socially, and politically.
“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 reshaped and strengthened the institution of traditional rulership in Nigeria,” he stated.
The governor said the late Awujale made it clear before his transition that nothing should hinder the celebration of Ojude Oba, stressing that the festival must continue to thrive as a sacred cultural institution that unites generations.
Abiodun commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for standing with the people of Ijebuland during the transition period following the monarch’s demise, noting that the President’s support helped sustain peace, continuity, and stability in the land.
He also called on Nigerians to remember victims of insecurity across the country and offered prayers for families affected by banditry and other forms of violence.
The governor praised the organisers, the Regberegbe groups, and the people of Ijebuland for preserving the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and ensuring the successful hosting of the festival despite the transition period.
According to him, Ojude Oba has evolved from a post-Eid homage-paying gathering into one of Africa’s most celebrated cultural festivals, embraced by people of different faiths, backgrounds, and generations.
“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 our age-grade groups,” he added.
Governor Abiodun further stated that the festival reflects the philosophy of his administration’s ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda through strategic investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and tourism development.
He urged the younger generation to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage handed down by their forebears, stressing that culture must continue to evolve without losing its essence.
Also Speaking in an interview, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi said the festival has encouraged homecoming of citizens in diaspora, creating economic growth, tourism development, and cultural diplomacy.
“The globally celebrated festival remained a rallying point for all sons and daughters of Ijebuland to bond, strengthen communal identities and foster connections among people, home and in the diaspora.
“ Ojude Oba is one of the best festivals celebrated not just in Nigeria but across the globe. It attracts both indigenes and international tourists , all hotels were booked , corporate businesses and local traders can testify to improved patronage“ , Fagbayi submitted.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Ojude Oba Planning Committee, Chief Olu Okubadejo, described the festival as a celebration of unity and continuity that provides an avenue for sons and daughters of Ijebuland to reconnect with their roots and celebrate their identity.
He noted that this year’s edition was particularly emotional and historic as it marked the first Ojude Oba celebration since the demise of Oba Sikiru Adetona, whose reign brought honour and global recognition to Ijebuland.
It was also observed that various corporate sponsors such as FCMB, GLOBACOM, RITE FOODS, MALTINA, GOLDBERG, NIGERIAN BREWERIES, GUINNESS, MAGGI, SEAMAN SCHNAPPS, ADRON HOMES AND CORNERSTONE INSURANCE all displayed their brands at the Venue of the Ojude Oba Festival.
Among dignitaries present at the event were the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Senatir representing Ogun West, Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isiaq Kunle Salako; former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; Chairman of Ijebu Ijebu Local Government, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, House of Assembly representing Ijebu ode state constituency, Hon. Bakare Omolola Olanrewaju Serifat, Son of the President of Nigeria, Seyi Tinubu, traditional rulers; captains of industry; religious leaders; and other distinguished guests.
- Story from NUJ Ogun-East Independent Chapel
