Ojude Oba Festival 2026 Honors Late Awujale in Ijebu-Ode

The ancient town of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State was transformed into a vibrant spectacle of color and tradition on Friday, May 29, as thousands gathered for the 2026 Ojude Oba festival. This year's celebration carried profound historical and emotional significance as the first held since the passing of the revered Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who reigned for 65 years.

The annual festival, traditionally held on the third day following Eid al-Kabir, saw residents, dignitaries, and tourists from Nigeria and the diaspora converge at the Awujale Palace. The event featured horse parades led by descendants of warrior families, rhythmic traditional drumming, and elaborate displays by the Regberegbe age-grade societies. These groups, numbering over 40 families, showcased meticulously coordinated, richly embroidered traditional attire, creating a dynamic tapestry of cultural pride.

Governor Dapo Abiodun described the festival as a powerful symbol of peaceful coexistence, communal harmony, and cultural sophistication. He noted that his administration has positioned Ojude Oba as a flagship of the state's tourism development agenda due to its significant economic impact....