The Ojude Oba Festival 2025 unfolded in spectacular fashion on Sunday, June 8, in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, brimming with glamour, vibrant colors, and cultural splendour.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun led a distinguished array of dignitaries to the celebration.
Thousands of Ijebuland’s sons and daughters, resplendent in traditional attire, gathered at the forecourt of the palace to pay homage to the revered Awujale of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, as “regberegbe,” or age groups.
This iconic festival beautifully showcases the rich culture of the Ijebu people, delivering an unforgettable spectacle and serving as a premier tourist destination.
The “Ojude Oba,” meaning “The King’s Forecourt,” transcends a mere cultural gathering; it embodies heritage, pride, and unity.
Traditionally held on the third day after Eid al-Kabir, the festival has evolved into a magnificent display of equestrian grace, aristocratic regalia, and communal joy.
This year’s event saw an added infusion of glamour as notable personalities from politics, entertainment, and society graced the venue. Former Ogun Governor Gbenga Daniel, along with the Senator representing Ijebu and Remo, among others, made majestic entrances, drawing admiration and applause from the attendees.
Senator Olamilekan Adeola, also known as Yayi, representing Ogun West, also made a graceful entry to the festival.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, drew attention at the 2025 Ojude Oba Festival on Sunday as she stepped out in elegant traditional attire.
Persecondnews reports that a widely shared video on X (formerly Twitter), posted by user Theresa Tekenah, captured the minister walking gracefully alongside two other women, all dressed in colourful, richly embroidered Yoruba garments.
Musawa’s ensemble, complete with a stylish headgear, was praised online for its authenticity and cultural pride.
Musawa’s appearance underscored the ministry’s support for cultural preservation and promotion, aligning with the federal government’s renewed push to harness the creative and tourism sectors for national identity and economic growth.
The Ojude Oba Festival, held annually in Ijebu Ode, honours the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona. With roots tracing back to the 19th century, the festival blends Islamic heritage with Yoruba tradition and attracts a large turnout of locals, dignitaries, and tourists.
Participants showcased vibrant attire such as Agbada, Iro, and Buba made from traditional fabrics including Aso Oke, Sanyan, and Adire. The day featured horse riding by family age groups (regberegbe), cultural performances, drumming, dances, and ceremonial gun salutes—symbolising unity and respect for Ijebu customs.
The festival’s vibrancy soared with the arrival of Nigerian music sensation Lil Kesh, who perfectly blended celebrity charm with cultural allegiance.
Dressed in coordinated different traditional wear alongside a lady from the prominent Keshinro family, renowned for their horse-riding legacy, Lil Kesh commanded the spotlight with his fusion of fame and tradition.
Adding a touch of silver screen sparkle were Nollywood stars Lateef Adimeji and Femi Branch. Elegantly adorned in rich Yoruba attires, the actors received thunderous cheers as they mingled with the crowd, further elevating the festival’s glamour.
Women in their colorful attires nearly dominated the event, with Farouk Oreagba, the celebrated showstopper of the 2024 festival, making yet another jaw-dropping appearance. Known for his flamboyant style and magnetic presence, Oreagba’s entrance sent the crowd into a frenzy. Camera flashes followed his every step, with many hailing him as the “cultural king of swag.”
From royal horse parades and stylish agbadas to joyous dancing to the rhythmic beats of the talking drum, Ojude Oba 2025 once again proved to be a breathtaking convergence of legacy and modernity.
Persecondnews reports that Glo, Nigeria’s telecom giant, owned by billionaire Mike Adenuga, a son of Ijebuland, last night celebrated with a bash 20 years of corporate sponsorship of the festival with legendary juju musician, Ebenezer Obey, and K1 De Ultimate on the band stand.
No fewer than 200,000 attendees were recorded at the venue, with tens of thousands more watching the spectacle across the globe.
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