FCMB Sparks Excitement At Ojude Oba 2026 As Brand Ambassador ‘Mr Steeze’ Takes Centre Stage

It was another remarkable celebration of the rich socio-cultural heritage of the Ijebu people at the annual Ojude Oba Festival, a historic event that began decades ago and has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most celebrated cultural gatherings. The festival attained greater prominence under the reign of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR.

Held three days after Eid-el-Kabir, the Ojude Oba Festival provides the people of Ijebuland with an opportunity to pay homage to their paramount ruler. Dressed in colourful traditional attire, attendees showcased the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and identity of the Ijebu people.

The history of Ojude Oba and the involvement of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) are deeply intertwined. One of the festival’s most enduring supporters was the late Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun, the Olori Omo-Oba of Ijebuland and founder of FCMB.

During his lifetime, Otunba Balogun was a passionate advocate of Ijebu culture and tradition, and FCMB has continued to uphold and promote that legacy with pride.

FCMB’s relationship with the Ojude Oba Festival dates back to 1985 when Otunba Subomi Balogun was conferred with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Otunba Tunwase of Ijebuland. Since then, the bank has remained a steadfast partner in the growth and preservation of Ijebu cultural heritage.

In the late 1990s, FCMB established its first branch in Ijebu-Ode at Folagbade, signifying a deeper commitment to the community. The bank has since supported the Ojude Oba Festival for more than two decades, making it one of the longest-standing indigenous corporate sponsors of the event.

Historically, the founder of the institution, the late Otunba Olasubomi Balogun, had deep royal roots. On his maternal side, he was a descendant of Oba Adesimbo Tunwase, under whose reign the Ojude Oba Festival began and who played a significant role in promoting Islam in Ijebuland. On the paternal side, he descended from Borogun, father of Balogun Kuku, a revered figure in the Ijebu war dynasty. His commitment to preserving Ijebu traditions was unquestionable, and FCMB continues to uphold that legacy.

For the 2026 edition of the festival, FCMB, one of the leading sponsors of the event, unveiled its brand ambassador, Farooq Oreagba, popularly known as “Mr Steeze.” Oreagba, who hails from the Oreagba family of Ijebu-Ode, made a grand appearance in FCMB’s signature white and purple colours, accompanied by branded flags and horse riders. He joined other members of the FCMB team in a colourful procession to the pavilion, where they paid homage to dignitaries and guests.

In its 2026 goodwill message signed by the Group Chief Executive of FCMB Group Plc, Mr. Ladi Balogun, the festival was described as both a unifying socio-cultural celebration and a catalyst for enterprise and economic development. According to Balogun, the growing impact of Ojude Oba continues to support livelihoods, strengthen community bonds, and reinforce the values that will shape the future of Ijebuland.

Visitors, tourists, dignitaries, and sons and daughters of Ijebuland from across Nigeria and the diaspora gathered to witness the colourful spectacle, which combined tradition, fashion, unity, and cultural pride in grand style.

“With pride and reflection, I join the Regent, Acting Awujale, Olorogun (Dr.) Sonny Folorunsho Kuku, the Ijebu traditional institution, the Ojude Oba Festival Committee, and all the people of Ijebuland to celebrate the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival, a true symbol of our culture.

“This year’s festival holds special significance as we honour the legacy of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, whose passing in 2025 marked the end of one of the most consequential royal reigns in Nigeria’s history.

“For over six decades, Kabiyesi embodied disciplined leadership, dignity, and progress. He strengthened the traditional institution, elevated Ijebuland’s profile on the national stage, and transformed Ojude Oba into a cultural platform that promotes heritage, creativity, and economic growth.

“Beyond culture, Oba Adetona strongly believed in advancing his people. He championed education, development, unity, and responsible leadership. He understood that preserving tradition must go hand in hand with preparing future generations for opportunity and progress. That vision continues to shape Ijebuland today.

“For over 20 years, FCMB has remained a committed partner of the Ojude Oba Festival. Our support reflects a longstanding belief in the importance of preserving heritage, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth.

“Today, Ojude Oba stands not only as a cultural celebration but also as a driver of enterprise and economic activity. Its growing impact supports livelihoods, strengthens community ties, and reinforces the values that will shape the future of Ijebuland. Let us renew our commitment to unity, excellence, and service-values that will honour Oba Sikiru Adetona’s legacy and advance Ijebuland.”

Speaking at the event, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described Ojude Oba as a powerful symbol of peaceful coexistence, communal harmony, and cultural sophistication.

The governor further disclosed that the state government is collaborating with critical stakeholders to expand the festival’s global visibility while preserving the authentic heritage and traditions of the Ijebu people.

“We are building a state that honours its heritage because culture is not only our identity but also a source of social cohesion and economic opportunity. This is why we have positioned Ojude Oba as a flagship event within our tourism development agenda.

“Today, the economic impact of the festival is visible everywhere. Hotels are fully occupied, businesses are flourishing, artisans are actively engaged, and our youths are being productively empowered,” - Gov Abiodun said. 

Among the dignitaries present at the event were the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hajia Hannatu Musa Musawa; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isiaq Kunle Salako; former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; APC governorship leader, Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan (Yayi); traditional rulers, captains of industry, religious leaders, and other distinguished guests.

- The Issues Magazine