GLITZ, CULTURE AND TRADITION TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT 2026 OJUDE OBA FESTIVAL
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
A spectacular blend of culture, heritage and high fashion lit up Ijebu-Ode as the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival drew thousands of participants, dignitaries and tourists to one of Nigeria’s most celebrated cultural events.
The annual festival, traditionally held on the third day of Eid-el-Kabir, transformed the historic town into a grand showcase of Yoruba elegance, with colourful displays of tradition, pageantry and communal pride.
Among the prominent personalities in attendance were Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; and Seyi Tinubu, among other distinguished guests who gathered at the Awujale Palace pavilion to witness the festivities.
As expected, the renowned regberegbe (age-grade groups) captivated spectators with dazzling appearances, parading in intricately designed aso-oke fabrics, majestic agbadas, elaborate gele headpieces and richly adorned traditional beads, all accompanied by the vibrant sounds of talking drums and cultural performances.
This year’s edition carried added significance as it marked the first Ojude Oba celebration since the passing of the revered Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who died in July 2025 after an extraordinary 65-year reign. Organisers and participants dedicated the event to celebrating his enduring legacy and contributions to the unity and development of Ijebuland.
One of the standout moments of the festival came when finance executive Farooq Oreagba made a grand entrance on horseback, drawing admiration from attendees with his commanding presence and distinctive fashion statement. Dressed in a pristine white agbada adorned with bold purple embroidery, Oreagba once again became one of the most talked-about personalities at the event.
Beyond its cultural splendour, the festival reinforced its growing reputation as a major driver of tourism and economic activity in Ogun State. The influx of visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora boosted local businesses, hospitality services and informal trade, highlighting the festival’s significance as a key platform for cultural tourism and economic development.
The 2026 Ojude Oba Festival once again demonstrated the enduring appeal of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, bringing together tradition, fashion, commerce and community in a colourful celebration of identity and history.
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