The Ojude Oba Festival is a vibrant cultural spectacle celebrated annually by the Ijebu people in Ogun State, Nigeria. Regarded as one of the country’s most prominent cultural events, the festival blends tradition, religion, pageantry, and community pride.
“Ojude Oba,” meaning “The King’s Court,” began as a simple gesture by Ijebu Muslims in the 19th century, who would gather shortly after Eid-el-Kabir to pay homage to their traditional ruler, the Awujale of Ijebuland. What started as a modest act of reverence has evolved into a nationally and internationally recognised event, drawing participants and spectators from across Nigeria and beyond.
Under the stewardship of the current Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, the festival is held at the Awujale Pavilion in Ijebu Ode. The festival takes place on the third day after Eid-el-Kabir and is renowned for its dazzling display of Yoruba fashion and heritage. Participants arrive adorned in rich traditional fabrics like Adire, Aso Oke, Agbada, and Iro and Buba, each ensemble reflecting deep cultural narratives and social class.
Though paused in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 precautions, the festival has since regained momentum, becoming an important fixture in Nigeria’s cultural calendar. The event is not just a celebration of Ijebu identity, but also a gathering of dignitaries, celebrities, and families, all united in celebration.
One of the festival’s main attractions is the grand horse parade. Members of the Balogun families — including Balogun Adenuga, Balogun Alatise, Balogun Adesoye, Balogun Alausa, and Balogun Kuku — ride in elaborate traditional attire, demonstrating valour and pageantry. Equally captivating is the Regberegbe, or age-grade parade, where groups such as Gbobaniyi, Bobagbimo, Gbobalaye, and Obafuwali engage in friendly competition through dance, prayers, and gift presentations to the Awujale.
Drumming, cultural dances, and musical performances animate the event, while the streets of Ijebu Ode are transformed by colourful displays and banners from corporate sponsors eager to associate their brands with the prestige of Ojude Oba.
Beyond its cultural importance, Ojude Oba also has significant economic value. Hotels and guesthouses are usually fully booked, while local businesses and vendors see a surge in patronage. It’s a boost for tourism, hospitality, and even the media, as the festival draws extensive coverage each year.
Read Also: ‘I wait all year for this’: Why Nigerians abroad flock home for Ojude Oba
With heightened security provided by Nigerian authorities, the 2024 edition of the festival once again promises a secure, festive atmosphere filled with elegance, heritage, and a strong sense of communal pride. As the celebration unfolds, both participants and onlookers are eager to witness yet another dazzling chapter in the legacy of Ojude Oba.
100 million people to attend Ojude Oba
New Daily Prime earlier reported that no fewer than 100 million people are expected to participate in the 2025 edition of the event.
The Coordinator of the Ojude Oba Festival Committee, Dr Fassy Yusuf, the festival was scheduled to be held on Sunday, in Ijebu-Ode, in honour of the Awujale of Ijebuland.
He noted that the festival, which has been on for over 100 years, “is expected to draw Ijebu sons and daughters from across the world, along with tourists and dignitaries eager to witness the vibrant celebration of culture, fashion, and tradition at the Utoro Centre in Ijebu-Ode.”
While speaking during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abeokuta, he said the estimated 100 million participants include approximately 200,000 people expected to converge at the main pavilion and the surrounding Utoro Centre.
“Additionally, between two and three million attendees are expected across Ijebu towns and other parts of Ogun.
“Besides the physical turnout, millions more will be watching online through various live streaming platforms globally,” he added.
The coordinator of the festival promised participants coming of a safe celebration and security provisions, saying, “the Nigerian Police, NSCDC, DSS, the military, Amotekun Corps, and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, among others, will be fully deployed to prevent any breach of security.”
