Ojude Oba 2026 Shuts Down Ijebu-Ode in Spectacular Display of Culture and Royal Heritage

  Ijebu-Ode burst into a sea of colour, tradition and celebration on Friday as thousands of residents, visitors and cultural enthusiasts converged on the ancient town for the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival, one of Africa’s most celebrated cultural gatherings.

The festival showcased breathtaking horse-riding displays, magnificent traditional attire, vibrant music performances and the signature parade of Regberegbe age-grade groups, turning the city into a grand exhibition of Yoruba culture and heritage.

Tourists, dignitaries and sons and daughters of Ijebuland from across Nigeria and different parts of the world attended the event, which once again highlighted the rich traditions, unity and cultural pride of the people.

Speaking during the celebration, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described Ojude Oba as a strong symbol of peace, unity and cultural excellence.

Abiodun said his administration has continued to promote the festival as a key part of Ogun State’s tourism agenda to unlock its vast cultural and economic benefits.

According to him, the state government is working closely with stakeholders to increase the festival’s international profile while safeguarding the traditions and values 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 visible everywhere as hotels are fully occupied, businesses are flourishing, artisans are engaged, and our youths are being productively empowered.”

The Governor noted that this year’s edition holds special significance as it is the first Ojude Oba Festival since the death of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

He paid tribute to the late Monarch, describing him as a transformative leader whose 65-year reign elevated Ijebuland socially, politically and culturally.

“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 shaped and transformed the institution of traditional rulership in Nigeria,” he stated.

Abiodun revealed that before his passing, the late Monarch had insisted that the festival must continue uninterrupted, stressing that Ojude Oba remains a cherished institution that unites generations of Ijebu people.

The Governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting Ijebuland during the period following the Monarch’s death, noting that the President’s intervention helped maintain peace and stability.

He urged Nigerians to remember victims of insecurity across the country and offered prayers for families affected by violence and bandit attacks.

Abiodun further praised the organisers, Regberegbe groups and the people of Ijebuland for preserving the kingdom’s cultural heritage and ensuring a successful festival despite the transition period.

According to him, Ojude Oba has grown from a post-Eid homage-paying event into a globally recognised cultural festival 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 the age-grade groups,” he added.

The Governor said the festival aligns with his administration’s “Building Our Future Together” agenda through investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, youth development and tourism.

He also encouraged young people to protect and promote the cultural values handed down by their ancestors while allowing culture to evolve without losing its identity.

Chairman of the Ojude Oba Planning Committee, Chief Olu Okubadejo, described the festival as a celebration of unity and continuity that enables Ijebu sons and daughters to reconnect with their roots and heritage.

Okubadejo said the 2026 edition was particularly emotional and historic because it was the first festival held after the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona, whose reign brought international recognition and prestige to Ijebuland.

Among dignitaries at the event were Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isiaq Kunle Salako; former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba; traditional rulers, business leaders, religious figures and other distinguished guests.