The ancient town of Ijebu-Ode witnessed a vibrant display of culture, glamour and tradition on Friday as thousands of residents, tourists and dignitaries gathered for the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival.
The annual celebration, regarded as one of Africa’s leading cultural festivals, transformed the town into a centre of festivities with spectacular horse-riding parades, traditional music, elaborate attire and performances by various Regberegbe groups.
Speaking during the event, Dapo Abiodun described the festival as a strong symbol of unity, peaceful coexistence and communal harmony among the people of Ijebuland.
He said the Ogun State Government had continued to position the festival as a major component of its tourism and cultural development strategy, noting that it contributed significantly to the state’s economy.
According to the governor, businesses, hotels, transport operators and local artisans recorded increased economic activities during the celebration.
“We are building a state that honours its heritage because culture remains our identity and a source of economic opportunity,” Abiodun said.
He added that the government would sustain collaboration with relevant stakeholders to increase the global visibility of the festival and further strengthen its tourism potential.
The governor described the 2026 edition as particularly historic because it marked the first Ojude Oba celebration since the death of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
Abiodun paid tribute to the late monarch, saying his 65-year reign greatly transformed traditional leadership and advanced the development of Ijebuland.
He disclosed that the late Awujale had insisted before his passing that the festival should continue without interruption.
The governor also commended Bola Tinubu for supporting Ijebuland during the monarch’s transition period.
READ ALSO: Ojude Oba: Symbol of Communal Harmony, Cultural Pride, Says Governor
Abiodun further called on Nigerians to remember victims of insecurity across the country and pray for families affected by violence.
He praised the festival organisers and Regberegbe groups for sustaining the cultural heritage and traditions of the Ijebu people.
“Today, Ojude Oba stands as a symbol of unity, continuity and cultural pride,” he added, while encouraging younger generations to preserve the customs and values handed down by their forebears.
Chairman of the festival’s planning committee, Chief Olu Okuboyejo, described the celebration as an important expression of identity and continuity for the people of Ijebuland.
Okuboyejo noted that this year’s edition carried deep emotional significance following the passing of Oba Adetona.
Among dignitaries present at the event were Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Isiaq Salako and former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, alongside several traditional rulers and prominent guests.
