Thousands of tourists, dignitaries and cultural enthusiasts gathered in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, on Friday for the 2026 edition of the Ojude Oba Festival, one of Nigeria’s biggest cultural celebrations.
Held annually on the third day after Eid-el-Kabir, the festival once again displayed the rich traditions of the Ijebu people through colourful fashion, traditional music, horse-riding processions and performances by regberegbe age groups and Balogun families.
This year’s edition attracted global attention following the death of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, in July 2025. Organisers, however, insisted the festival would continue, describing it as a symbol of cultural unity and identity beyond the throne.
Stakeholders noted that the festival continues to strengthen tourism and economic activities in Ogun State, benefiting hotels, transporters, traders and fashion businesses while projecting Nigeria’s cultural heritage to international audiences.