Ojude Oba 2026 Medallion Unveiled as Organisers Preserve Awujale’s Legacy

Ojude Oba 2026 Medallion Unveiled as Organisers Preserve Awujale’s Legacy.

By: Segun Omo Ojikutu 

After over a century of annual celebrations, the Ojude Oba Festival has metamorphosed into something more than a cultural gathering in Ijebuland. It is a living heritage — a colourful expression of identity, pride, royalty and unity that brings together thousands of sons and daughters of Ijebu from across Nigeria and the world.

Now, even after the passing of the revered Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, organisers of the globally celebrated festival say the cultural flame he nurtured for decades will continue to burn brightly.

At the historic Heritage Hall inside the Awujale Palace in Ijebu-Ode, emotions mixed with celebration as organisers officially unveiled the 2026 commemorative medallion logo for the next edition of the Ojude Oba Festival.

The atmosphere carried both nostalgia and hope. While many reflected on the enormous legacy of the late monarch, there was also a clear determination among stakeholders that the festival must continue to thrive as one of Africa’s biggest cultural events.

READ THIS: Awujale Succession: Ijebu-Ode Ruling Houses Unite Behind Ajidagba’s Leadership

Speaking during the 2026 Ojude Oba World Press Conference, the Baagbimo of Ijebuland and Coordinator of the Ojude Oba Festival Organising Committee, Chief Prof. Fassy Adetokunboh Yusuf, reassured the public that the festival would not lose its relevance or grandeur because of the transition of the late Awujale.

According to him, Oba Adetona himself had made it clear during his lifetime that the festival should never be suspended because of his death or any royal transition.

He described Ojude Oba as a timeless platform that symbolizes unity, peace, religious harmony and the collective pride of the Ijebu people.

The 2026 edition, he disclosed, will hold under the theme: “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona.”

One of the major highlights of the event was the unveiling of the official commemorative medallion logo by Otunba Giwa Ayodeji Osibogun, Chairman of the Communications, Music and Sound Sub-Committee of the festival.

As the emblem was displayed before guests, it immediately drew admiration for its rich cultural symbolism.

Osibogun explained that the medallion reflects the royalty, prestige and enduring heritage of the Ijebu people. According to him, every element embedded in the design tells a story — from the majestic horse riders to the unity of the Regberegbe age-grade groups that have become one of the most colourful attractions of the festival.

“The horse riders represented in this medallion symbolize courage, honour, royalty and the warrior heritage of our people,” he said.

He added that the emblem is more than just a logo, describing it as “history preserved in visual form.”
The commemorative identity, he explained, will appear on official souvenirs, digital campaigns, sponsor materials, festival merchandise and archival records connected to the 2026 celebration.

Also speaking at the conference, Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, described Ojude Oba as one of the state’s strongest cultural and tourism assets capable of boosting economic growth and attracting international visitors.

READ THIS: Awujale Succession: Fusengbuwa Ruling House Signals Readiness with Traditional Gbedu Ceremony

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Ogun State Government to supporting the festival and promoting the state’s tourism destinations, including Olumo Rock, Yemọji Natural Swimming Pool, Bilikisu Sungbo Tourist Centre and the Ojude Living and Historical Museum.
Corporate organisations also used the occasion to renew their long-standing support for the festival.

Telecommunications giant Globacom described Ojude Oba as one of Africa’s foremost cultural celebrations and pledged continued partnership in preserving Nigerian heritage and strengthening community identity.

Similarly, Nigerian Breweries Plc, through its Goldberg and Maltina brands, reaffirmed its commitment to the festival after over two decades of sponsorship.

A representative of the company said the partnership reflects shared cultural values rooted in respect, excellence, dignity and communal spirit.

“We have supported this festival consistently for over 20 years, and we are not stopping anytime soon,” the representative stated.

Other brands present at the conference included Guinness Nigeria, Maggi, Origin, Seaman Schnapps, ADRON Homes, Bigi Drinks and Cornerstone Insurance.

Organisers revealed that more than 90 Regberegbe groups are expected to participate in the grand cultural parade, while 25 Balogun and Eleshin warrior families will feature in the famous horse-riding displays that have become the signature spectacle of the festival.

The grand finale of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival is scheduled for Friday, May 29, 2026, two days after the Eid-el-Adha celebration.

Dignitaries expected at the event include the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, members of the Federal Executive Council and other prominent personalities from within and outside Nigeria.

As preparations gather momentum, organisers say adequate security, traffic control and emergency response arrangements are already being put in place to ensure a peaceful and memorable celebration.

But beyond the glamour, music and horse processions, many at the palace believe the 2026 edition will carry a deeper meaning — a celebration of continuity, heritage and the enduring legacy of a monarch whose influence transformed Ojude Oba into a global cultural phenomenon.

Story Source:  The NUJ, Ogun East Independent Chapel.

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