In the historic Heritage Hall of the Awujale Palace, Ijebu Ode, the 2025 edition of the globally renowned Ojude Oba Festival was officially unveiled during a vibrant world press conference hosted by the Ojude Oba Festival Organising Committee. The event served as a prelude to what promises to be one of the most colourful and culturally significant celebrations on Nigeria’s annual calendar.
Representing Chief Oluneye B. Okuboyejo, Chairman of the Organising Body, was the coordinator, Chief (Prof.) Fassy Yusuf, delivered a comprehensive address highlighting the significance, structure, and expectations for this year’s festival. He was joined by a panel of distinguished committee members and cultural custodians. The festival was described not merely as a tradition but as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and cultural pride.
Chief Okuboyejo emphasised that the Ojude Oba Festival, which translates to “The King’s Forecourt,” has deep spiritual and cultural roots among the Ijebu people of southwestern Nigeria. Initially conceived as a thanksgiving visit by Muslim faithful to the Awujale—Ijebu’s paramount monarch—three days after Eid-el-Adha, it has evolved over nearly two centuries into an inclusive celebration. Today, it draws together Muslims, Christians, traditional worshippers, and secular citizens in a collective expression of Ijebu identity and heritage.
The 2025 edition, which is expected to reach its grand finale on Sunday, June 8, 2025 (subject to moon sighting), carries the theme:
“Ojude Oba: Celebrating Our Roots, Preserving Our Future.”
According to the committee, this theme reflects the Ijebu people’s enduring commitment to preserving their heritage while embracing progress and innovation.
Chief Okuboyejo noted that one of the festival’s most captivating elements remains the majestic parade of the Regberegbe—traditional age-grade groups that are central to the Ijebu social structure. These groups will participate in dazzling displays of cultural regalia and pageantry. This year, 100 male and female Regberegbe groups are expected, including eight new cohorts making their debut.
Beyond the visual spectacle, the Regberegbe system plays a critical developmental role in Ijebuland. Many age-grade groups have executed self-help projects that contribute significantly to local infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
Also featured will be the traditional Balogun and Eleshin horse-riding families, descendants of Ijebu’s historic warriors. Around 25 families will participate in dramatic equestrian displays, culminating in awards for the most impressive performances. These awards are sponsored by Globacom, the festival’s principal corporate patron of over two decades, which has also pledged its renewed support for another ten years.
Chief Okuboyejo also reaffirmed the community’s ongoing advocacy for the creation of Ijebu State, with Ijebu Ode proposed as its capital. He noted that Ijebu remains the only major pre-independence province in Nigeria yet to attain statehood—despite its strategic importance, cultural depth, and socio-economic potential.
This year’s festival will once again amplify the cause, with banners, chants, and speeches echoing the rallying cry:
“Creation of the long overdue Ijebu State with Ijebu Ode as the capital, Noin Noin!”
The 2025 edition will welcome a distinguished array of national and cultural figures. While the identity of the Special Guest of Honour remains under wraps, organizers promise a dignitary of significant national stature. Past editions have hosted former Presidents, Vice Presidents, Governors, business magnates, and cultural icons.
Confirmed to attend are Ogun State Governor, Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun, CON, and his wife, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, alongside federal dignitaries such as Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy.
Entertainment will be headlined by two of Nigeria’s foremost Apala musicians: Alhaji Musiliu Haruna Ishola and Alhaji Saheed Ligali-Mukaiba, who will electrify the festival pavilion with their captivating performances.
Organizers have assured the public of robust security arrangements in partnership with the Nigerian Police, Army, DSS, FRSC, TRACE, and other agencies. Special attention has also been given to traffic control, public health, and emergency services, with the support of the Ogun State Ministry of Health, Medplus, and several NGOs.
The Ojude Oba Festival continues to serve as a shining example of public-private collaboration. In addition to Globacom, other major sponsors include:
First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Rite Foods Limited, Nigerian Breweries, ADRON Homes, Medplus, Guinness Nigeria, Golden Penny (Honeywell), Grand Oak Limited (Seaman’s Schnapps) Each sponsor has pledged to outdo the others in delighting festivalgoers and ensuring a memorable experience, reaffirming their commitment to sustaining what has become a world-class cultural brand.
The Festival Organising Committee comprises eminent Ijebu personalities, including: Chief Oluneye B. Okuboyejo – Chairman, Chief (Prof.) Fassy Yusuf – Coordinator, Chief (Mrs.) Bisi Osibogun – Member, Chief Agboola Alausa – Balogun of Ijebu Ode, Chief Alade Shote – Otun Balogun of Ijebu Ode, Chief Adegboyega Adeshoye – Osi Balogun, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi – Member
Other members include representatives from the Regberegbe Council. Their combined efforts continue to elevate the Ojude Oba Festival from a local cultural rite to a truly international celebration.
As the press conference concluded, organizers expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, sponsors, traditional institutions, and the media for their unwavering support. They called on the press to ensure broad and extensive coverage of the 2025 Ojude Oba Festival to showcase Nigeria’s cultural richness on a global scale.
With a final prayer for a peaceful and successful event, Chief Okuboyejo officially declared preparations for the 2025 festival open.
Responding to a media inquiry about how income generated from the festival contributes to local development, Chief (Prof.) Fassy Yusuf, the committee coordinator, clarified that the Organizing Committee is not directly responsible for executing development projects. Rather, all proceeds are handed over to the palace, while the various Regberegbe groups take the lead in implementing most of the community development initiatives.
On a separate suggestion regarding the possibility of relocating the festival to a larger venue—such as a stadium—to better accommodate the growing number of attendees, organizers firmly rejected the idea. They emphasized that the cultural significance of the palace grounds, known as “the king’s forecourt,” is non-transferable. Relocating the festival would compromise its identity and heritage, as the name “Ojude Oba” is intrinsically linked to its traditional location. However, they noted that efforts are currently underway to expand the existing arena to better accommodate the increasing number of participants and guests.
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