Daud Olatunji
It was a riot of colours, glamour, and cultural elegance in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, as thousands thronged the city for the 2025 edition of the annual Ojude Oba festival — a century-old celebration that once again brought the Ijebu people’s rich traditions and unity to the fore.
The Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musawa, who graced the occasion, reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as the greatest black nation on earth.
She stated that the administration was leveraging the cultural and creative economy as a strategic avenue to spur national prosperity.
Speaking at the Oba Sikiru Adetona Pavilion — the epicentre of the celebration — Musawa stressed that the Federal Government would collaborate with state governments and the private sector to explore the unique cultural assets of each state.
“President Bola Tinubu is strongly committed to making us the greatest black nation on earth, and one of the ways he plans to do that is by tapping into the immense opportunities within the cultural and creative landscape,” she said.
She further described Ojude Oba as a prime example of how culture can drive tourism, create jobs, and expand the economy.
“This is a beautiful culture that we must continue to export and use as a form of economic expansion,” Musawa added.
The minister lauded the people of Ijebuland for preserving and celebrating their heritage, commending the Awujale and paramount ruler, Oba Sikiru Adetona, for his decades-long dedication to cultural preservation.
Though the revered monarch, aged 91, was absent due to age-related reasons, his wife, Olori Kemi Adetona, ably represented him.
The carnival-like event attracted dignitaries from across the country, including Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; former Ogun governors Chief Olusegun Osoba and Senator Gbenga Daniel; as well as other political leaders and captains of industry.
In his remarks, Governor Abiodun described the festival as a “living heritage” and “a catalyst for economic growth.”
“Ojude Oba is more than just a festival; it is a celebration of identity, a platform that showcases the unity and entrepreneurial spirit of the Ijebu people. It offers direction for a rapidly changing world,” Abiodun said.
He pledged that his administration would continue to support initiatives that enhance the state’s tourism profile and generate economic benefits, stressing the importance of promoting such events globally.
“The festival is now a dynamic engine of tourism, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship,” the governor added.
This year’s edition, estimated to have drawn over 25,000 participants, witnessed the flamboyant parade of the Regberegbe (age-grade groups) and a dramatic display of traditional horse riders — the Baloguns and Eleshins — descendants of Ijebu war heroes.
Each group, adorned in resplendent attire, paid homage to the Awujale in rhythmic processions accompanied by booming dane guns and traditional drummers.
One of the highlights was the sartorial elegance of Governor Abiodun and Farooq Oreagba, a cancer survivor and style icon, both of whom dazzled the crowd with their stunning outfits, earning admiration across social media platforms.
Beyond the cultural pageantry, the festival had significant socio-economic impact.
Hospitality and related sectors also recorded a business boom, with an estimated turnover exceeding N100 million.
“Ojude Oba is not just a cultural showcase but a serious economic and tourism event. We’re proud to support a festival that preserves culture and empowers communities,” the company’s spokesperson said.
Once a Muslim-centric event, the festival has evolved into a grand, all-inclusive celebration of Ijebu heritage, drawing comparisons with global carnivals like Rio de Janeiro and Notting Hill.
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