Ojude Oba 2026: Abiodun Hails Unity as Culture, Leadership and Economic Opportunities Converge.
By Segun Omo Ojikutu
The ancient town of Ijebu-Ode came alive in spectacular fashion on Friday as thousands of elegantly dressed men, women, youths, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts gathered for the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival, turning the city into a vibrant theatre of colour, heritage, leadership, and economic activity.
From breathtaking horse-riding processions to dazzling traditional attires, rhythmic music performances and the elegant displays by Regberegbe age-grade groups, this year’s festival once again reinforced Ojude Oba’s reputation as one of Africa’s most celebrated cultural gatherings.
The festival attracted visitors from across Nigeria and beyond, as sons and daughters of Ijebuland returned home alongside international tourists and cultural enthusiasts eager to witness the unique blend of tradition, fashion, identity and communal pride that has made Ojude Oba a globally recognised event.
Speaking at the colourful gathering, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described Ojude Oba as more than a cultural celebration, saying it remains a powerful symbol of unity, peaceful coexistence, communal harmony and economic opportunity.
According to the governor, his administration has deliberately elevated the festival into a major tourism asset capable of creating jobs, attracting investment and strengthening Ogun State’s cultural economy.
“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,” Abiodun stated.
“This is why we have positioned Ojude Oba as a flagship within our tourism development agenda. Today, the economic impact of the festival is evident everywhere. Hotels are fully occupied, businesses are thriving, artisans are engaged, and our youths are being productively empowered.”
The governor noted that the 2026 edition carries deep historical significance as it marks the first Ojude Oba Festival since the passing of the revered Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
Paying glowing tribute to the late monarch, Abiodun described him as an institution whose remarkable 65-year reign transformed traditional leadership while elevating Ijebuland culturally, socially and politically.
“This year’s festival carries profound significance because it is the first celebration since the glorious transition of our revered monarch, whose reign reshaped and strengthened traditional rulership in Nigeria,” he said.
Governor Abiodun revealed that the late monarch had insisted before his passing that nothing should hinder the continuity of Ojude Oba, stressing that the festival must remain a sacred institution that connects generations and preserves cultural identity.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the people of Ijebuland during the transition period following the monarch’s passing, noting that such support contributed significantly to maintaining stability and continuity within the kingdom.
Beyond culture and celebration, the governor urged Nigerians to remember victims of insecurity across the country, offering prayers for families affected by violence and banditry.
Abiodun praised organisers, traditional institutions, Regberegbe groups and the people of Ijebuland for sustaining the festival’s rich traditions despite the emotional transition period.
According to him, Ojude Oba has evolved from a simple post-Eid homage-paying gathering into a globally recognised cultural platform that promotes unity, diversity, enterprise and tourism.
“Today, Ojude Oba stands as a symbol of unity, honour, continuity and cultural pride where visitors from across the world gather to witness the splendour of our traditions, the elegance of our attire and the discipline of our age-grade groups,” he added.
Also speaking, Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, said the festival has increasingly become a catalyst for diaspora homecoming, tourism development, cultural diplomacy and economic growth.
“The globally celebrated festival remains a rallying point for sons and daughters of Ijebuland to reconnect with their roots while strengthening communal bonds both at home and in the diaspora,” he said.
According to him, the economic impact was visible across the state as hotels recorded full occupancy while businesses, artisans and traders experienced increased patronage.
Chairman of the Ojude Oba Planning Committee, Chief Olu Okubadejo, described the festival as a celebration of continuity and identity, noting that this year’s edition was particularly emotional because it marked the first celebration since the passing of the late Awujale.
The festival also witnessed strong participation from corporate Nigeria, as leading brands leveraged the platform to showcase their products and strengthen visibility among thousands of attendees.
As cultural displays, horse processions and social interactions continued across the festival grounds, one message remained clear — Ojude Oba has evolved beyond tradition into a powerful platform where culture, leadership, tourism and economic opportunities converge.
For many attendees, the festival was not merely a celebration of heritage, but a reminder that preserving culture can also drive prosperity, strengthen identity and create sustainable opportunities for future generations.
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