Ojude Oba Festival’ll hold despite Awujale’s transition — Organisers

….. say 2026 edition to celebrate legacy of late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Organising Committee of the Ojude Oba Festival has declared that the 2026 edition of the renowned cultural celebration will hold as scheduled, despite the transition of the Awujale of Ijebuland, late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

The committee said no circumstance surrounding the royal transition would halt the continuity of the festival, describing Ojude Oba as a timeless cultural institution deeply rooted in the heritage, unity and identity of the Ijebu people.

Speaking during a world press conference in Ijebu-Ode, the Coordinator of the Ojude Oba Festival Organising Committee, Chief Fassy Adetokunboh Yusuf, dismissed speculations that the festival might be suspended following the demise of the revered monarch.

Yusuf condemned campaigns and narratives suggesting “No Awujale, No Ojude Oba”, insisting that such claims were contrary to the wishes and convictions of the late monarch.

According to him, “The Ojude Oba Festival transcends personalities; it is a timeless cultural heritage deeply rooted in the identity, pride and unity of the Ijebu nation.

“Our highly respected late Kabiyesi made it abundantly clear that Ojude Oba must never be suspended on account of his passing or during any interregnum. According to his noble conviction, the festival remains a sacred cultural institution that must continue to flourish for generations to come.”

He noted that suspending the festival because of the royal transition would amount to an immeasurable loss to the cultural heritage, economy, tourism potential and global reputation of Ijebuland.

The committee consequently affirmed that the 2026 edition of the festival would hold “with all its grandeur and splendour by the grace of Almighty God”.

Tracing the origin of the festival, Yusuf explained that Ojude Oba began as a post-Eid homage paid by Muslim faithful to the Awujale in appreciation of religious freedom and peaceful coexistence in Ijebuland.

He said the celebration had since evolved into one of Africa’s foremost cultural festivals, attracting millions of participants, tourists and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and the diaspora.

Describing the festival as “a shining example of religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and communal harmony”, Yusuf added that Ojude Oba has become a cultural template replicated in several communities within and outside Ogun State.

While unveiling the official theme for the 2026 edition, “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona”, Yusuf disclosed that the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, would serve as the Special Guest of Honour at the event.

Also expected are Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun; his wife, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun; and the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa.

Yusuf said the theme was inspired by the enduring legacies of the late monarch, whose reign transformed the festival into an internationally recognised cultural brand.

“Throughout his illustrious reign, Oba Adetona broke barriers, demystified age-long jinxes, redefined the institution of monarchy, and repositioned the Ijebu nation on the global cultural and socio-political landscape,” he said.

He described the late Awujale as the longest-reigning monarch in the history of Ijebuland, noting that his contributions to cultural preservation, development and progressive traditional leadership would remain indelible.

Yusuf disclosed that the grand finale of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival has been scheduled for Friday, May 29, 2026.

He added that the event would feature the colourful procession of about 90 Regberegbe age-grade groups adorned in coordinated traditional attires, alongside the famous equestrian parade by descendants of ancient Ijebu warlords.

According to him, no fewer than 25 Balogun and Eleshin families are expected to participate in the horse-riding displays, showcasing the martial traditions and historical heritage of the Ijebu people.

Yusuf assured residents, participants and visitors of adequate security, effective crowd management and robust logistics to ensure a peaceful and memorable celebration.

He also urged members of the public, particularly Regberegbe groups, to conduct themselves responsibly and refrain from spreading false or inflammatory information capable of undermining the success of the festival.

“Together, we shall uphold the dignity, honour and global reputation of the Ojude Oba Festival,” he stated.

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