IJEBU-ODE— A breathtaking fusion of heritage and high fashion took over Ijebu-Ode as the 2026 Ojude Oba festival delivered its signature glitz.
Top dignitaries, including Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Otunba Gbenga Danieland Seyi Tinubu, among others graced the Awujale Palace pavilion to partake in the cultural fiesta.
The colourful annual Ojude Oba Festival has once again taken centre stage as thousands of attendees gathered in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, for this year’s Ojude Oba Festival.
The festival celebrated by the Ijebu people of Ogun State remains one of Nigeria’s biggest cultural events, attracting visitors from across the country and from abroad, as the Ijebus are well-travelled people doing business where they find themselves.
It is known for its colourful displays by regberegbe age groups, coordinated family regalia, horse-riding processions, and rich cultural heritage. The festival transformed the ancient town into a vibrant showcase of tradition and style.
Ojude Oba, which translates as “The King’s Court,” began as a gathering of Muslim faithful paying homage to the Awujale of Ijebuland after the Eid celebration.
Over the years, however, the festival has evolved into a major cultural and tourism event with both national and international appeal, drawing dignitaries, tourists, celebrities and business interests.
This year’s edition is being held without Oba Sikiru Adetona, who died in July last year after a 65-year reign as the Awujale of Ijebuland.
Ahead of the festival, the Organising Committee of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival had dismissed speculations that the annual socio-cultural event could be suspended due to the monarch’s absence and the delay in selecting his successor.
The committee stated that the late monarch had expressly warned against suspending the festival during any period of interregnum.
As in previous editions, this year’s celebration featured dazzling appearances by various age-grade groups and cultural associations, all competing in elegance, creativity and cultural pride.
Serving as a massive runway for Yoruba elegance, the event—traditionally hosted on the third day of Eid-el-Kabir—saw thousands of attendees stepping out in breathtaking styles.
The renowned regberegbe (age-grade societies) stole the show, parading in bespoke aso-oke, majestic agbadas, and flamboyant geles, all perfectly complemented by heavy royal beads and the energetic rhythm of traditional drummers.
Entrance of Mr steeze, King of Cool’ Farooq Oreagba
This year’s gathering carried a deeply emotional undertone. It marked the first celebration since the passing of the revered Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who joined his ancestors last July after an unprecedented 65-year reign. The entire pageant was specially dedicated to honouring his monumental legacy and lifelong commitment to Ijebu unity.
\
Giving the crowd a dose of undeniable ‘steeze’, finance executive Farooq Oreagba became a major centre of attraction. He commanded attention as he rode through the arena on horseback, decked out in a crisp white agbada accented with striking purple embroidery.