Ojude Oba Festival To Hold Despite Royal Transition Organisers
Ojude Oba Festival To Hold Despite Royal Transition Organisers
The organisers of the annual Ojude Oba Festival have dismissed widespread rumours suggesting that the cultural celebration would be suspended following the death of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona. Speaking during a press briefing in Ijebu Ode ahead of the 2026 edition of the festival, the Coordinator of the event, Professor Fassy Yusuf, stated that the late monarch had clearly instructed that the festival must continue regardless of any royal transition. According to Yusuf, the Awujale believed the festival had grown beyond any individual and should remain a permanent cultural institution for the Ijebu people. The 2026 edition of the festival is themed “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona.” Organisers said the event would honour the late monarch’s 65-year reign and his contributions to the social, cultural, and economic development of Ijebuland. The committee also rejected the narrative circulating in some quarters tagged “No Awujale, No Ojude Oba,” stressing that suspending the festival would negatively affect cultural preservation, tourism, commerce, and the international reputation of the Ijebu nation. Yusuf explained that although the festival originated as an Islamic gathering, it has evolved into a globally recognised cultural celebration embraced by people of different religious and cultural backgrounds.
He noted that the festival, traditionally held on the third day after Eid-el-Kabir, now attracts millions of visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora. Organisers added that more than 25 prominent families of traditional warlords and horse riders are expected to participate in the colourful equestrian procession during the 2026 edition. The festival is also expected to feature the famous Regberegbe age-grade parades, cultural displays, traditional fashion, music, and other activities associated with the centuries-old celebration.
