Ojude Oba 2026: Abiodun Hails Cultural Unity as Festival Shines in Colour, Tradition and Corporate Grandeur

The ancient town of Ijebu-Ode came alive on Friday as thousands of sons and daughters of Ijebuland, tourists, cultural enthusiasts, dignitaries and corporate organisations gathered for the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival, turning the city into a magnificent showcase of heritage, fashion, tradition and economic activity.

From the colourful procession of Regberegbe age-grade groups to the breathtaking horse-riding displays by the renowned Balogun and Eleshin families, the festival once again reaffirmed its status as one of Africa’s most celebrated cultural gatherings and a major tourism asset for Ogun State and Nigeria.

The 2026 edition carried special significance as it was the first Ojude Oba Festival held after the passing of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, whose remarkable 65-year reign transformed the annual cultural gathering into a globally recognised institution.

Addressing participants and guests, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the festival as a powerful symbol of peaceful coexistence, communal harmony and cultural sophistication, noting that Ojude Oba has become a major pillar of the state’s tourism and economic development strategy.

According to the governor, the festival continues to demonstrate how cultural heritage can drive economic growth, attract investment and promote social cohesion.

“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,” Governor Abiodun 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 evident everywhere. Hotels are fully occupied, businesses are thriving, artisans are engaged and our youths are being productively empowered.”

The governor paid glowing tribute to the late Awujale, describing him as a transformational monarch whose visionary leadership elevated Ijebuland’s cultural profile across the world.

He noted that before his transition, Oba Adetona had expressly directed that the festival should continue uninterrupted, insisting that Ojude Oba must remain a sacred institution that binds generations together.

“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 reshaped and strengthened the institution of traditional rulership in Nigeria,” Abiodun stated.

The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for standing with the people of Ijebuland during the period of transition, noting that the President’s support contributed significantly to maintaining peace, continuity and stability in the kingdom.

He further urged Nigerians to remember victims of insecurity across the country while offering prayers for families affected by banditry and other forms of violence.

Governor Abiodun applauded the organisers, traditional institutions, Regberegbe groups and the people of Ijebuland for sustaining the festival’s rich heritage and ensuring a successful outing despite the ongoing royal interregnum.

According to him, Ojude Oba has evolved beyond its original role as a post-Eid homage-paying gathering into a globally admired cultural festival that attracts visitors from different religious, ethnic and social backgrounds.

“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 our age-grade groups,” he added.

The festival grounds were filled with vibrant colours as over 90 Regberegbe groups appeared in coordinated traditional attires made from luxurious fabrics including aso-oke, damask, lace, sanyan and alaari. Their graceful processions, cultural displays and choreographed performances provided one of the major highlights of the event.

The famous horse-riding families also thrilled spectators with spectacular equestrian performances that showcased the warrior heritage and royal traditions of Ijebuland.

Speaking on the broader impact of the festival, Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, described Ojude Oba as a major driver of homecoming, tourism promotion, cultural diplomacy and economic growth.

According to him, the festival continues to strengthen communal bonds among Ijebu people across the world while attracting local and international visitors to Ogun State.

“The globally celebrated festival remains a rallying point for all sons and daughters of Ijebuland to bond, strengthen communal identities and foster connections among people both at home and in the diaspora,” Fagbayi said.

“Ojude Oba is one of the best cultural festivals celebrated not only in Nigeria but across the globe. It attracts indigenes and international tourists alike. Hotels were fully booked while corporate organisations and local traders recorded increased patronage.”

Also speaking, Chairman of the Ojude Oba Planning Committee, Chief Olu Okubadejo, described the festival as a celebration of unity, continuity and identity.

He noted that the 2026 edition was particularly emotional because it was the first festival since the passing of Oba Adetona, whose reign brought unprecedented prestige and international recognition to Ijebuland.

Beyond the cultural displays, the festival also highlighted the growing role of corporate partnerships in promoting cultural tourism and preserving indigenous heritage.

Major brands used the occasion to showcase their products and reinforce their support for the festival. Among the leading corporate sponsors and partners present were FCMB, Globacom, Rite Foods, Maltina, Goldberg, Nigerian Breweries, Guinness Nigeria, Maggi, Seaman’s Schnapps, Adron Homes and Cornerstone Insurance.

Their colourful pavilions, promotional activations and brand displays added another layer of excitement to the celebration while underscoring the festival’s increasing commercial value and global appeal.

The event attracted an impressive array of dignitaries including Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Senator representing Ogun West, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi); Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isiaq Kunle Salako; former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba; Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Hon. Dare Alebiosu; member representing Ijebu-Ode State Constituency, Hon. Bakare Omolola Olanrewaju Serifat; son of the President, Seyi Tinubu; traditional rulers, captains of industry, religious leaders and other distinguished guests.

As music echoed through the ancient town and cultural performances continued into the evening, Ojude Oba 2026 once again demonstrated why it remains not only a celebration of heritage and identity but also a powerful platform for tourism, economic development and cultural diplomacy.

End.

NUJ Ogun East Independent Chapel’ Edition.