Why Ojude Oba will hold despite Awujale’s passage – Organisers

The Coordinator of the Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu Ode, Prof Fassy Yusuf, on Tuesday said this year’s celebration would be dedicated to honouring the enduring legacy and exemplary leadership of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who transited after 65-year reign in July 2025 at the age of 91.

Yusuf also dismissed reports circulating on social media that the Ojude Oba Festival would not hold following the monarch’s death, stating that the late royal father had expressly directed that nothing should hinder the annual celebration, even after his passing.

Meanwhile, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun and his wife, Bamidele, as well as the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, are expected as special guests at this year’s festival, traditionally held two days after Eid-el-Kabir.

The professor of Mass Communication disclosed this during a world press conference held at the Awujale Palace on Tuesday.

He explained that the theme of this year’s festival, “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona,” was inspired by the remarkable life, enduring legacy and contributions of the late monarch, whose reign was marked by courage, visionary leadership and commitment to the development of Ijebuland.

He said, “Throughout his illustrious reign, Oba Adetona broke barriers, redefined the institution of monarchy, and repositioned the Ijebu nation on the global cultural and socio-political landscape.

“His leadership brought renewed prestige, unity, development and pride to the traditional institution, while his wisdom and progressive disposition changed the narrative of kingship in Nigeria and beyond.

The 2026 edition of Ojude Oba Festival, therefore, serves not only as a celebration of culture and heritage, but also as a solemn tribute to the longest-reigning monarch in the history of Ijebuland — a revered royal icon whose legacies remain indelible and whose impact will continue to resonate across generations.”

Yusuf said some individuals had attempted to create uncertainty over the continuity of the festival following the monarch’s transition through campaigns such as “No Awujale, No Ojude Oba.”

He, however, said the history, tradition and collective will of the Ijebu people had prevailed because the festival transcends personalities and remains a cultural institution deeply rooted in the identity and unity of the Ijebu nation.

The Ijebu chief noted that suspending the festival because of the royal transition would have undermined decades of cultural preservation, tourism development and economic advancement.

“Indeed, our highly respected late Kabiyesi himself made it abundantly clear that Ojude Oba must never be suspended on account of his passage or during any interregnum.

“According to his noble conviction, the festival remains a sacred cultural institution that must continue to flourish for eternity.

“It is, therefore, with great pride, confidence and a deep sense of responsibility that we announce to the world today that the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival shall hold with all its grandeur and splendour by the grace of Almighty God,” he said.

He added that the grand finale of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival would be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, two days after Eid-el-Kabir.

This year’s festival is expected to feature about 90 male and female age-grade groups, known as Regberegbe, adorned in coordinated traditional attire reflecting the cultural heritage of the Ijebu people.

Also expected are 25 families of warlords and warrior lineages, renowned for their historic role in defending the Ijebu kingdom before colonial rule, who will participate in the traditional horse-riding procession to pay homage to the Awujale.

Yusuf explained that the festival originated from the tradition of Muslims in Ijebuland paying homage to the monarch after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration in appreciation of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence granted by the royal institution.

He noted that the gesture gradually evolved into the globally recognised Ojude Oba Festival, which now attracts millions of participants and visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora.

According to him, the festival remains a symbol of religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and communal harmony.