The colourful annual Ojude Oba Festival has once again taken centre stage as thousands of attendees gathered in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, for this year’s Ojude Oba Festival.
The festival celebrated by the Ijebu people of Ogun State remains one of Nigeria’s biggest cultural events, attracting visitors from across the country and from abroad, as the Ijebus are well-travelled people doing business where they find themselves.
It is known for its colourful displays by regberegbe age groups, coordinated family regalia, horse-riding processions, and rich cultural heritage. The festival transformed the ancient town into a vibrant showcase of tradition and style.
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, however, the festival has evolved into a major cultural and tourism event with both national and international appeal, drawing dignitaries, tourists, celebrities and business interests.
This year’s edition is being held without Oba Sikiru Adetona, who died in July last year after a 65-year reign as the Awujale of Ijebuland.
Ahead of the festival, the Organising Committee of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival had dismissed speculations that the annual socio-cultural event could be suspended due to the monarch’s absence and the delay in selecting his successor.
The committee stated that the late monarch had expressly warned against suspending the festival during any period of interregnum.
As in previous editions, this year’s celebration featured dazzling appearances by various age-grade groups and cultural associations, all competing in elegance, creativity and cultural pride.
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