Ojude Oba embodies harmony, heritage, and financial prosperity, says Abiodun

n n

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun

n

The ancient town of Ijebu-Ode on Friday came alive with colours, glamour and cultural displays during the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival.

n

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that thousands of residents, tourists, dignitaries and cultural enthusiasts stormed the venue in celebration of one of Africa’s foremost cultural festivals.

n

The festival featured horse-riding processions, traditional music, richly embroidered attires and elegant performances by various Regberegbe groups.

n

Speaking at the festival, Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun described Ojude Oba as a symbol of peaceful coexistence and communal harmony.

n

Abiodun said the state government had positioned the festival as a flagship of its tourism development agenda.

n

According to him, the festival has significant cultural and economic value for Ogun State and Nigeria at large.

n

“We are building a state that honours its heritage because culture remains our identity and a source of economic opportunity,” he said.

n

The governor noted that hotels, businesses, artisans and transport operators benefitted immensely from the festival.

n

He said the government would continue collaborating with stakeholders to expand the festival’s global visibility.

n

Abiodun described the 2026 edition as historic, being the first celebration since the passing of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

n

He paid tribute to the late traditional ruler, describing his 65-year reign as transformative for traditional leadership and Ijebuland.

n

According to him, the late Awujale insisted before his transition that Ojude Oba must continue uninterrupted.

n

Abiodun commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting Ijebuland during the king’s transition period.

n

The governor also urged Nigerians to remember victims of insecurity and pray for families affected by violence nationwide.

n

He praised the organisers and Regberegbe groups for preserving the cultural heritage of Ijebuland.

n

“Today, Ojude Oba stands as a symbol of unity, continuity and cultural pride,” the governor added.

n

He urged younger generations to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage handed down by their forebears.

n

Chairman of the Ojude Oba Planning Committee, Chief Olu Okuboyejo, described the festival as a celebration of identity and continuity.

n

Okuboyejo said the 2026 edition was emotional and historic following the demise of Oba Adetona.

n

Dignitaries at the event included Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Minister of State for Health, Dr Isiaq Salako, former Governor Olusegun Osoba and other traditional rulers. (NAN)

n n