The ancient city of Ijebu Ode played host to the 2025 edition of the Ojude Oba Festival on Sunday, drawing throngs of cultural enthusiasts, dignitaries, and tourists in what has become one of Nigeria’s most anticipated cultural celebrations.
The festival, which celebrates the rich heritage of the Ijebu people and pays homage to the revered Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, witnessed a spectacular display of colour, tradition, and communal unity.
Among the top dignitaries present were the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, both of whom lauded the organisers and long-term sponsor, Globacom, for their unwavering commitment to preserving cultural identity and promoting tourism.
The telecommunications giant, Globacom, marked its 20th year of sponsoring the festival with exciting giveaways, including two brand-new Suzuki Celerio cars. One of the recipients, Mr. Opeoluwa Osisanwo, Secretary of the Festival Planning Committee and a member of Egbe Tobalase Okunrin, was recognized as the most outstanding young leader in Ijebuland for his years of dedicated service. Overwhelmed by exhaustion and surprise, Opeoluwa was briefly assisted off stage but returned to receive the car to loud cheers and applause.
“I was only doing what I love—serving my community,” Opeoluwa said emotionally. “I’m grateful to the Awujale and the entire planning committee for this honour.”
The second car winner, Mrs. Idowu Olabisi, a trader from Ijebu Igbo, emerged through Globacom’s exclusive consumer promo. In shock and gratitude, she described the prize as a divine surprise, especially during the Eid celebrations.
Globacom also awarded four tricycles (keke) to local subscribers and distributed additional prizes including five power generators and ten grinding machines, reinforcing its commitment to economic empowerment at the grassroots.
The festival saw dazzling processions by nearly 100 Regberegbe age-grade groups, all dressed in flamboyant traditional attire and performing choreographed dances as they paid homage to the Awujale, who was represented by Olori Kemi Adetona. Not to be outdone, Eleshin horsemen donned elaborate warrior regalia, showcasing their skill and celebrating their ancestral legacy.
Governor Abiodun, in his goodwill message, hailed the Awujale’s 65-year reign as a model of “visionary and purposeful leadership,” while Minister Musawa described the festival as “a beacon of cultural pride and a demonstration of the resilience of our traditional institutions.”
Other notable personalities in attendance included Olorogun Sunny Kuku, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland; former governors Olusegun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel; and captains of industry and royal guests from around the globe.
As a special tribute to the Regberegbes, Globacom presented each group with specially-packaged Basmati rice to commemorate its two-decade-long partnership with the festival—a gesture warmly received by the community.
The 2025 Ojude Oba Festival once again stood as a powerful testament to unity, cultural pride, and the enduring influence of tradition in contemporary Nigeria.
