Organisers of the annual Ojude Oba Festival have confirmed that the 2026 edition will go ahead as scheduled, despite the passing of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
They revealed that the late monarch had explicitly instructed that the cultural celebration must not be suspended under any circumstances, including during a royal transition period.
The clarification was given during a press briefing held at the Awujale’s palace in Ijebu Ode ahead of preparations for the 2026 festival, which is themed “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona.”
The event was attended by members of the organising committee, cultural stakeholders, sponsors, and partners, alongside exhibitions linked to the festival’s activities.
Speaking at the briefing, festival coordinator Prof. Fassy Yusuf dismissed speculation that the celebration might be cancelled following the monarch’s death.
He explained that Oba Adetona had, before his passing, made it clear that Ojude Oba should continue as an uninterrupted cultural tradition regardless of any interregnum.
According to Yusuf, the 2026 edition will serve both as a cultural showcase and a tribute to the late monarch, whose 65-year reign significantly shaped the social, economic, and cultural identity of Ijebuland.
“The 2026 edition of Ojude Oba Festival is not only a celebration of culture and heritage, but also a solemn tribute to the longest reigning monarch in the history of Ijebuland,” he said.
The organisers also criticised calls for the suspension of the event under the slogan “No Awujale, No Ojude Oba,” insisting that the festival represents a collective cultural identity that goes beyond individual rulers.
They stressed that Ojude Oba is deeply rooted in the history and unity of the Ijebu people and should not be tied to the presence of a single monarch.
“The Ojude Oba Festival transcends individuals. It is deeply rooted in the identity, pride, and unity of the Ijebu people,” Yusuf added.
Organisers warned that cancelling the festival could negatively affect cultural preservation, tourism, and local economic activities that traditionally surge during the celebration.
The committee further described the late Awujale as a visionary leader whose reign helped elevate Ojude Oba into a globally recognised cultural event.
Originally rooted in Islamic traditions, the festival has evolved over time into a major cultural gathering that now attracts Muslims, Christians, traditional worshippers, and international visitors.
Ojude Oba, which has existed for over a century, is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading symbols of cultural unity and religious harmony.
Each year, the grand finale—held on the third day after Eid-el-Kabir—draws thousands of participants, tourists, and dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria.
Highlights of the festival include colourful presentations by Regberegbe age-grade groups dressed in elaborate traditional attire, as well as the famous horse-riding procession featuring descendants of historical Ijebu warrior families.
Organisers said about 25 prominent warrior families are expected to participate in the equestrian display at the 2026 edition.
They also noted that the festival continues to serve as a major economic driver for Ijebuland, boosting trade, hospitality, and tourism before, during, and after the event.
Dignitaries expected at the 2026 celebration include Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, his wife Bamidele Abiodun, and the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa.
Previous editions have attracted several high-profile figures, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and business magnate Aliko Dangote.
