Ojude Oba has long been a festival that captivates fashion and cultural enthusiasts beyond Ijebuland. However, the 2024 Ojude Oba catapulted the event into national prominence, thanks to the power of social media and the stunning traditional styles showcased by attendees.
The festival began in 1878 and was celebrated by the people of Ijebu on the third day of Eid to honour and pay homage to Awujale, the paramount ruler of Ijebuland.
|
|
Farooq Oreagba, known as the ‘King of Steeze,’ became the standout figure of the 2024 celebration of the cultural carnival, with photos of his bold poses and striking traditional attire that saturated social media with utmost admiration.
His viral appearance heightened anticipation for the 2025 edition, with many eagerly expecting an even more spectacular fashion showcase.
|
|
|
|---|
As a result, many celebrities, even those with no Ijebu roots, now see the events as an avenue to make bold fashion statements and project their cultural heritages in vivid light at the cultural festival.
For the first time in a while, the 2025 Ojude Oba witnessed a diverse array of celebrities, even those with no Ijebu roots, like actor Lateeef Adedimeji, actor Ibrahim Chatta, singer Ololade Keshinro, LilKesh, Juju legend Ebenezer Obey, Fuji star, Sulaimon Alao and Shefiu Alao, who featured and performed at the event, showcasing the unity and diversity of the festival.
Also present were popular TikTokker Jidex, singer Mike Abdul, Femi Branch, and Fuji icon Wasiu Ayinde, who are of Ijebu descent.
Enter Farooq Oreagba, others
Just like the 2024 Ojude Oba festival, when the festival was thrust to the limelight, Farooq Oreagba, ‘King of Steeze’, still maintained his last year’s momentum, with an aesthetic return, where he shone with other dignitaries in colourful attires at the 2025 Ojude Oba.
Mr Oreagba made a striking appearance in a vibrant Agbada crafted from traditional ‘Aso Ofi’ fabric. He paired it with a wine-colored Yoruba-style cap and round-frame sunglasses that complemented his black boots.
The fashionista was seated at the top of a horse adorned with yellow-themed artwork. Like the previous year, he held his signature black staff and had a short roll of smoky tobacco resting casually at the corner of his mouth.
However, the cancer survivor replicated the styles in lemon in another appearance, with a heavy purple design on his Agbada and bold beads.
Among the standout figures at the event was Nigerian rapper and performer, Keshinro Ololade, Lil Kesh, who turned heads in a bold and vibrant yellow agbada adorned with striped ’Aso oke‘ patterns.
The singer paired his look with silver-and-gold neck chains, designer sunglasses, and a traditional cap, exuding a fusion of street style and Yoruba royalty.
Actor Lateef Adedimeji also drew attention in his hunter-wrapper, decorated with fur, made in brown, natural colours. He wore a well-designed cap to match and sat among the top guests.
The actor’s outfit was deeply connected to Yoruba tradition, and coral beads and other cultural items enhanced his look.
Additionally, sitting beside Lateef was Femi Branch, dressed in a cream Agbada with bold trimming and a simple cap pattern with light yellow beads.
As the son of the soil, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State also made a stately appearance in a majestic gold agbada with embroidery and fur details.
Ojude Oba Highlights
On Sunday, the 2025 Ojude Oba festival brought colour and excitement to Ijebu Ode, as thousands gathered to honour the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
Age-grade groups, known as ‘Regbe Regbe’, paraded in vibrant Yoruba outfits, proudly displaying their heritage and traditions. These groups, a unique feature of the Ojude Oba festival, represent different age grades within the community and play a significant role in the festival’s celebrations. One of the day’s main highlights was the grand horse parade, which drew loud cheers as members of the Shoye and Balogun families made a majestic entrance before the Awujale, dressed in elegant traditional attire.
Other horse-riding families of Ijebu descent also impressed the crowd in the horse-riding competition to win prizes, while celebrating their styles and traditions. These included the families of Balogun Adenuga, Balogun Alatise, Balogun Adesoye, Balogun Alausa, Balogun Kuku, Gbobaniyi, Bobagbimo, Gbobalaye, and Obafuwali.
The festival also featured lively performances by popular entertainers such as Lil Kesh, Pasuma, and actor Ibrahim Chatta, who chanted in Yoruba to pay homage to the king.
Later in the evening, Juju legend Ebenezer Obey and Fuji icon Wasiu Ayinde, K1 De Ultimate, gave a memorable duet at the ‘An Evening with Glo’ concert.
Awujale’s absence
Though the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, was absent from the 2025 Ojude Oba Festival, the excitement that saturated the festival went unnoticed.
While the palace sources attributed his absence to old age, not illness, the 91-year-old monarch is a central figure of the annual celebration as he has graced the occasions for decades, while people pay him homage.
However, the event coordinator, Fassy Yusuff, disclosed to the Punch Newspaper that the monarch’s absence was due to his recovery process after he was recently discharged from a hospital in Lagos.
His wife, Olori Kemi Adetona, represented the paramount ruler, who received guests and oversaw ceremonial duties at the Awujale Pavilion.
FG’s cultural legacy commitment
Earlier at the festival carnival, the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa, reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to advancing Nigeria’s cultural legacy.
Reeling out her speech at the 2025 Ojude Oba Festival held at the Awujale Pavilion in Ijebu Ode, Mrs. Musawa said, “President Bola Tinubu is strongly committed to making us the greatest black nation on earth, to making us one of the strongest economies. One of the ways he wants to do it is for us to leverage and tap into the opportunities that abound in the cultural and creative landscape.”
While highlighting the president’s cultural agenda, the minister added, “Recently, President Bola Tinubu announced a collaboration between the federal and subnational governments. We will also work with the private sector to tap into the unique peculiarities of every single state.”
The minister also praised the festival’s economic potential: “By looking at what culture and tradition have to offer, we can increase our visibility and create jobs.
“This culture is your ideal, it’s your tradition, and we are extremely proud of who we are. This is a beautiful culture. We must continue to export this culture and use it as a form of economic expansion.” She added.
She described her connection to the event as follows: “I’m proud to be part of this community. I feel honoured to be here, and I look forward to enacting President Bola Tinubu’s important vision by tapping into the rich resources of Ogun State.”
Abiodun’s support
In his own words, Governor Abiodun described the event as a celebration of unity and tradition, pledging to protect the Ijebu people’s legacy.
He said, “Ojude Oba is more than a festival; it is a living heritage. It connects us to our roots and offers direction for a rapidly changing world. ”
“In an era marked by social fragmentation, this festival stands as a flagship symbol of communal harmony where religion, tradition, and modernity coexist beautifully under a shared identity.”
The governor assured continued support for the festival, which he said aligns with his administration’s goal of boosting tourism, creating jobs, and promoting national unity.
Other notable individuals at the festival included Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami; Senator Gbenga Daniel; Senator Shuaib Salisu; Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Bamidele Abiodun; and Olusegun Osoba, among others.
Discover more from Premium Times Nigeria
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
