For the first time in decades, the revered Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, was absent at the iconic Ojude Oba Festival held on Sunday in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
Ojude Oba, meaning “the king’s fore-court,” is a century-old cultural celebration that brings together the Ijebu people annually, held on the third day after Eid-El-Kabir. The festival carries deep traditional, religious, cultural, and social-military significance. It is marked by vibrant parades from various age-grade groups known as Regberegbes, who pay homage to the Awujale.
Oba Adetona, often described as the spirit of Ijebuland, has consistently attended the festival throughout his over six-decade reign, except during the 2020 and 2021 interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the 91-year-old monarch was conspicuously absent this year due to health-related concerns and age. He was represented by his wife, Olori Kemi Adetona.
Despite his absence, the event drew high-profile attendees, including the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musawa; Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun; Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Ondo State Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami (representing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa); former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel; and Senator representing Ogun Central, Shuaib Salisu.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Musawa emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s cultural heritage and tourism potential for economic development.
“President Bola Tinubu is strongly committed to making Nigeria the greatest black nation on earth and one of the strongest economies. One way to achieve that is by tapping into the cultural and creative landscape,” she said.
She described Ojude Oba as a vital platform for economic growth and cultural pride, lauding the collaboration between the federal and Ogun State governments.
“This culture is your identity. It’s who we are as a people. This beautiful tradition must be preserved and exported as a source of national pride and economic expansion,” she added.
Governor Abiodun also hailed the festival, describing this year’s edition as “the mother of all Ojude Obas.”
“Ojude Oba is more than a festival—it is a living heritage that connects us to our roots. It symbolizes communal harmony where religion, tradition, and modernity coexist,” he said.
He reaffirmed the state’s alignment with President Tinubu’s vision of inclusive growth, empowerment, and cultural preservation.
As the festival continues to evolve, it remains a cornerstone of unity, pride, and cultural identity for the Ijebu people and beyond.
