Returning for the 147th edition, this year’s highly anticipated Ojude Oba lived up to its billing and more after last year’s event, which sent social media into a frenzy, thanks to breakout stars like Farooq ‘Mr Steeze’ Oreagba and the horse riders, many looked forward to this year’s celebration eagerly. The festival brought colour and excitement to Ijebu Ode, as thousands gathered to honour the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

This year, Oreagba returned in grand style and was joined by a host of other celebrities including actors Lateeef Adedimeji and Ibrahim Chatta (who rode for the Shoye family); Ololade ‘LilKesh’Keshinro (who also rode); Femi Branch, Juju legend, Ebenezer Obey, Sulaimon Alao and Shefiu Alao (who performed at the event); Mike Abdul; Wasiu ‘KWAM 1’ Ayinde among others.

Age-grade groups, known as ‘Regbe Regbe’, paraded in vibrant Yoruba outfits, proudly displaying their heritage and traditions. These groups, a unique feature of the Ojude Oba festival, represent different age grades within the community and play a significant role in the festival’s celebrations. One of the day’s main highlights was the grand horse parade, which drew loud cheers as members of the Shoye and Balogun families made a majestic entrance before the Awujale, dressed in elegant traditional attire.

Other horse-riding families of Ijebu descent also impressed the crowd in the horse-riding competition to win prizes, while celebrating their styles and traditions. These included the families of Balogun Adenuga, Balogun Alatise, Balogun Adesoye, Balogun Alausa, Balogun Kuku, Gbobaniyi, Bobagbimo, Gbobalaye, and Obafuwali. A notable addition this year was the presence of so many female and young riders. Most families had a significant number of women and young children riding for them, which showed the families’ inclusivity and its ability to pass down the tradition to the younger ones.

Representing in stunning hues of green and gold, the Iyalode, Egbe Tobalase Rontex Obinrin Akile Ijebu, Olori Olayinka Onakoya omo Olowoporku, expressed happiness at the longevity of the festival, adding that it is important to pass it on to the younger generation.

Speaking on its importance to indigenes, the Olofin Ajaye of Orugbo Iddo and Giwa, Egbe Jagunmolu Okunrin (Fehintade) Akile Ijebu, Alaiyeluwa Oba Adewale Musafa Abdul, says the annual celebration means a lot to every Ijebu son and daughter. He added that it unifies them, brings peace and gives them something to look forward to every year. Expressing happiness at the large turnout, he said asides the cultural aspect to it, it encourages tourism and contributes significantly to the economic value of the town. “We have almost 100 Regberegbe groups in Ijebu land and we want to see more people join and make it even bigger,” he said.

Even the absence of the Awujale, who was said to be recuperating by palace sources, couldn’t dampen the excitement of the occasion as the crowd swelled with excitement.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun described the event as a celebration of unity and tradition, pledging to protect the Ijebu people’s legacy. The governor assured continued support for the festival, which he said aligns with his administration’s goal of boosting tourism, creating jobs, and promoting national unity.

Speaking on their partnership with the festival, Head of Corporate Affairs, headline sponsor and festival partner, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Diran Olojo, said it was important to play a strong part in it as the bank and festival both share the same values. “You can see the mammoth crowd this year and I promise you; it is going to be bigger next year. When I sat in the pavilion, the discussion there was that the festival has clearly outgrown its current venue. The depth of the growth is phenomenal and it is wonderful to see.”

Describing the festival as international now, he expressed pride at their over two decades contribution to the growth of the festival. Pointing out that it is a complete ecosystem now, he said the benefits are numerous. “Tailors, designers, tie and dye makers, make-up artists, fabric traders, transporters, creatives and so on, have all benefitted immensely from the one-day festival.”

Stressing that the culture must be nurtured and nourished, he said it must not be allowed to die off. “We need to be proud of what we have and I am proud of what Ijebu is doing with this festival yearly. Now, a couple of festivals like this are springing up across the South-West and this tells you something; others are now emulating. If they can grow it to this level, it is good news for us,” he said.

Noting that they have benefitted positive brand equity and emotional investment, he said once people think of the festival, FCMB comes to mind as well. “We are proud of our heritage and the over two decades we have been contributing to the growth of this festival. Next year, it is our strong desire to have even more people but at a far bigger venue. Though the venue is historical and shifting it might be difficult, this venue can be expanded significantly to accommodate the thousands more that will come here next year,” he said.

Ayokunle Odunsi of the Egbe Bobamaiyegun Okunrin Akile Ijebu, expressed joy at the increased number of attendees and expressed optimism at seeing more people next year. “We’re over 200 in this group and are eager to welcome new members.”

Shakirat Adepeju, Otun Iyalode for the Egbe Bobamaiyegun Obinrin Asiwaju Akile Ijebu (’74-’76) said she has been witnessing the festival right from when she was little. “It gives me great joy to see it still thriving. At some point, I was overseas and this brought me back home. This is a great way to mingle with your age grade, family and friends. I am proud to be Ijebu-born, the rich culture and everything about Ijebu. This festival inspired so many of us to come back home and I hope we have inspired others to also come next year to participate,” she said.

Iyalode Islamiyat Sowami of the Egbe Bobamaiyegun Akile Ijebu Diamond Regberegbe (’74-’76), who has been returning yearly to the festival for over a decade without fail; said the purpose of the festival is to celebrate with the Awujale, Oba Skikiru Adetona. “I congratulate all the Regberegbe present here today and it is our prayer that it grows bigger than this. This is our culture and tradition and even though it appears chaotic, we love it. We will continue to come but we hope next year’s festival will be better organised and more structured,” she opined.

Giwa Oladipupo Ogunlana of the Egbe Bobamaiyegun Okunrin Asiwaju Akile Ijebu (Jan 1, ’74-Dec 31, ’76), expressed joy at the festival’s continuity, adding that they are the biggest group with 284 members. ‘I came here first in 2017 and my group came first and we have come tops six times out of seven appearances. We expect the committee to change this venue, or extend it significantly as well as improve logistics because we need more people to come next year.”

He said the economic impact of the festival in the town has been great but a bigger venue and better logistics would improve the numbers significantly.

Iyalode Adetoun Babatunji of the Egbe Bobamaiyegun Ire-Akari Akile Ijebu (’74-’76) on her part said the festival has grown in leaps and bounds and we are looking forward to improved organization from the planning committee next year,” she said.