With a resounding spectacle last year, the 2025 Ojude Oba was one many looked out for with thrilling anticipation and expectations. Mr. Steeze, Farooq Oreagba was the poster face for the 2024 edition, which attracted a lot of attention to the 2025 edition of the colorful cultural event.

Ojude-Oba Festival is a one-day celebration of culture, fashion, glamour, candour, beauty and royalty as sons and daughters of Ijebuland. The festival always commences with prayers by the Imam of Ijebuland, followed by the National Anthem, Ogun State Anthem, and the Awujale’s Anthem, and finally the Lineage praise of the Ijebus.

After all of these, the parade of different ages known as Regbe regbe with names such as Obafuwaji, Bobagbimo, Bobakeye, Gbobaniyi and Gbobalaye begins.

This year’s edition was held on Sunday, 8th of June 2025, which was on the third day after Eid. It’s noteworthy that this was originally a modest gathering of the Muslim faithful, thanking the king for allowing them to practise their religion freely. But it has grown to symbolise pride, unity and identity among all the Ijebu people regardless of religion.

At the heart of the ceremony each group with both male and female counterparts come out distinct either in their manner of appearance and style of dressing or by their dance patterns. In straightforward terms, these groups file in turn by turn with their drummers to pay homage through their dance, and with presentation of gifts and offerings at the feet of the King. They pray for him, wishing him a peaceful tenure and long life. Key highlights of the event include horse riding, colorful cultural dressing, artistic display of culture, music, and many more.

The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun rode into the festival in such a majestic and royal style accompanied by Oreagba, who received cheers from the audience as he moved majestically on his horse.

Regardless of social status, the people are classified into age groups known as regbe-regbe, with hundreds belonging to each one. This is aimed at fostering unity among the locals. The union of drummers, musicians and dancers, coupled with a fashion parade, told a tale of people deeply connected to their roots. Several distinguished guests graced the occasion. This included a former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniels. Also, several princes and princesses across the Ijebu Kingdom made it their call of duty as they boastfully represented their dynasties. Nollywood Actors such as Ibrahim Chatta, Lateef Adedimeji, Femi Branch and a host of others were also in attendance. Like his usual form, Chatta brought exceptional theatrics to the festival, captivating the crowd with his signature flair and deep cultural expression. Dressed in a striking traditional priest regalia, the Nollywood actor’s outfit was complete with symbolic accessories and rich cultural detailing. Some others present were LIL KESH, Tomike Adeoye, Olufemi Oguntamu (Penzaar) and Niyi Fagbemi.

As the curtain closed on this year’s festival, guests embodied royalty, elegance, and pride having their presence speak powerfully, steeze unmatched and untainted composure. Photographers and videographers all swarmed the festival grounds dishing different shots and angles of the event on their social media platforms. Like last year several faces caught the fancy of social media lookers who trooped on comment and like sections in engagements.

Nigerian telecoms giant Globacom, alongside beverage powerhouses Maltina and Goldberg, served as the major sponsors of the festival, demonstrating their strong commitment to promoting arts, culture, and community engagement. Their involvement not only provided vital financial and logistical support but also added credibility and visibility to the event. Through this partnership, the festival was able to deliver a richer experience for attendees, blending entertainment with tradition, and showcasing Nigerian heritage on a vibrant and well-supported platform.