Ojude Oba Festival Will Proceed Despite Awujale’s Transition — Organizers

… say 2026 edition to celebrate legacy of late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Organising Committee of the Ojude Oba Festival has confirmed that the 2026 edition will proceed as scheduled, even after the passing of the Awujale of Ijebuland, late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

The committee stated that no aspect of the royal transition would interrupt the festival, describing Ojude Oba as a timeless cultural institution that is deeply embedded in the heritage, unity and identity of the Ijebu people.

During a world press conference in Ijebu‑Ode, Chief Fassy Adetokunboh Yusuf, Coordinator of the Ojude Oba Festival Organising Committee, dismissed rumours that the festival might be suspended following the monarch’s demise.

Yusuf condemned campaigns and narratives that claimed “No Awujale, No Ojude Oba”, insisting that such statements contradicted the wishes and convictions of the late monarch.

He said, “The Ojude Oba Festival transcends personalities; it is a timeless cultural heritage deeply rooted in the identity, pride and unity of the Ijebu nation.”

“Our highly respected late Kabiyesi made it abundantly clear that Ojude Oba must never be suspended because of his passing or during any interregnum. According to his noble conviction, the festival remains a sacred cultural institution that must continue to flourish for generations to come.”

He added that suspending the festival because of the royal transition would represent an immeasurable loss to Ijebuland’s cultural heritage, economy, tourism potential and global reputation.

Consequently, the committee affirmed that the 2026 edition would be held “with all its grandeur and splendour by the grace of Almighty God.”

Tracing the festival’s origins, Yusuf explained that Ojude Oba began as a post‑Eid homage paid by Muslim faithful to the Awujale in appreciation of religious freedom and peaceful coexistence in Ijebuland.

He said the celebration has since evolved into one of Africa’s foremost cultural festivals, attracting millions of participants, tourists and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and the diaspora.

Describing the festival as “a shining example of religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and communal harmony”, Yusuf added that Ojude Oba has become a cultural template replicated in several communities within and outside Ogun State.

While unveiling the official theme for the 2026 edition, “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona”, Yusuf disclosed that the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, would serve as the Special Guest of Honour at the event.

Other expected attendees include Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun; his wife, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun; and the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa.

Yusuf said the theme was inspired by the enduring legacies of the late monarch, whose reign transformed the festival into an internationally recognised cultural brand.

“Throughout his illustrious reign, Oba Adetona broke barriers, demystified age‑long jinxes, redefined the institution of monarchy, and repositioned the Ijebu nation on the global cultural and socio‑political landscape,” he said.

He described the late Awujale as the longest‑reigning monarch in Ijebuland’s history, noting that his contributions to cultural preservation, development and progressive traditional leadership would remain indelible.

Yusuf disclosed that the grand finale of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival is scheduled for Friday, May 29, 2026.

He added that the event will feature the colourful procession of about 90 Regberegbe age‑grade groups in coordinated traditional attire, alongside the famous equestrian parade by descendants of ancient Ijebu warlords.

According to him, no fewer than 25 Balogun and Eleshin families are expected to participate in the horse‑riding displays, showcasing the martial traditions and historical heritage of the Ijebu people.

Yusuf assured residents, participants and visitors of adequate security, effective crowd management and robust logistics to ensure a peaceful and memorable celebration.

He also urged members of the public, particularly Regberegbe groups, to conduct themselves responsibly and refrain from spreading false or inflammatory information that could undermine the festival’s success.

“Together, we shall uphold the dignity, honour and global reputation of the Ojude Oba Festival,” he stated.

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