The ancient town of Ijebu-Ode on Friday came alive with colours, glamour, and cultural displays during the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival.

Thousands of residents, tourists, dignitaries, and cultural enthusiasts stormed the venue in celebration of one of Africa’s foremost cultural festivals.

The festival featured horse-riding processions, traditional music, richly embroidered attires, and elegant performances by various Regberegbe groups.

Speaking at the festival, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described Ojude Oba as a symbol of peaceful coexistence and communal harmony.

Mr Abiodun said the state government had positioned the festival as a flagship of its tourism development agenda.

According to him, the festival has significant cultural and economic value for Ogun State and Nigeria at large.

“We are building a state that honours its heritage because culture remains our identity and a source of economic opportunity,” he said.

The governor noted that hotels, businesses, artisans, and transport operators benefitted immensely from the festival.

He said the government would continue collaborating with stakeholders to expand the festival’s global visibility.

Mr Abiodun described the 2026 edition as historic, being the first celebration since the passing of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

He paid tribute to the late traditional ruler, describing his 65-year reign as transformative for traditional leadership and Ijebuland.

According to him, the late Awujale had insisted before his transition that Ojude Oba must continue uninterrupted.

Mr Abiodun commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting Ijebuland during the king’s transition period.

The governor also urged Nigerians to remember victims of insecurity and pray for families affected by violence nationwide.

He praised the organisers and Regberegbe groups for preserving the cultural heritage of Ijebuland.

“Today, Ojude Oba stands as a symbol of unity, continuity, and cultural pride,” the governor added.

He urged younger generations to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage handed down by their forebears.

Chairman of the Ojude Oba Planning Committee, Olu Okuboyejo, described the festival as a celebration of identity and continuity.

Mr Okuboyejo said the 2026 edition was emotional and historic following the demise of Oba Adetona.

Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Minister of State for Health, Isiaq Salako; former governor Olusegun Osoba and other traditional rulers. 

(NAN)