The 147th edition of the highly anticipated Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, once again captivated thousands with its vibrant display of culture, tradition, and community spirit. Building on the immense social media buzz generated by last year's event, this year's celebration lived up to its billing, drawing a massive crowd eager to honor the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, even in his reported absence for recuperation.

A significant highlight was the return of breakout stars like Farooq 'Mr Steeze' Oreagba, who graced the event in grand style. The festival also saw a convergence of notable personalities from the entertainment industry, including actors Lateeef Adedimeji and Ibrahim Chatta (who rode for the Shoye family), Ololade ‘LilKesh’ Keshinro (also a rider), and Femi Branch. Musical legends like Ebenezer Obey, Sulaimon Alao, Shefiu Alao, Mike Abdul, and Wasiu ‘KWAM 1’ Ayinde added to the festive atmosphere with their performances.

The heart of the Ojude Oba festival lies in its unique age-grade groups, known as ‘Regbe Regbe’. These groups paraded majestically in their vibrant Yoruba outfits, showcasing their rich heritage and traditions. Each group, representing different age grades within the community, played a pivotal role in the day's celebrations, symbolizing the community's organized structure and unity.

Another major draw was the grand horse parade. Members of the Shoye and Balogun families made a majestic entrance before the Awujale, elegantly dressed in traditional attire, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. Other esteemed horse-riding families of Ijebu descent, including Balogun Adenuga, Balogun Alatise, Balogun Adesoye, Balogun Alausa, Balogun Kuku, Gbobaniyi, Bobagbimo, Gbobalaye, and Obafuwali, also impressed in the horse-riding competition, celebrating their distinct styles and traditions. A particularly encouraging development this year was the increased presence of female and young riders, with many families featuring a significant number of women and children, underscoring the festival's inclusivity and its successful efforts to pass traditions down to future generations.

Community leaders and participants alike emphasized the profound importance of the Ojude Oba festival. Olori Olayinka Onakoya, Iyalode of Egbe Tobalase Rontex Obinrin Akile Ijebu, expressed joy at the festival’s longevity and the imperative to pass it on. Alaiyeluwa Oba Adewale Musafa Abdul, Olofin Ajaye of Orugbo Iddo and Giwa, Egbe Jagunmolu Okunrin (Fehintade) Akile Ijebu, highlighted its role in unifying the Ijebu people, fostering peace, and providing an annual focal point. He also noted its significant contribution to tourism and the economic value of Ijebu Ode, expressing a desire for more people to join the nearly 100 Regberegbe groups.

Government and corporate support further underscored the festival's significance. Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described the event as a celebration of unity and tradition, pledging continued support to protect the Ijebu people’s legacy and align with his administration's goals of boosting tourism, creating jobs, and promoting national unity. First City Monument Bank (FCMB), the headline sponsor and festival partner for over two decades, reiterated its commitment. Diran Olojo, Head of Corporate Affairs at FCMB, emphasized the shared values between the bank and the festival, noting the