Ojude Oba, the iconic annual festival of the Ijebu people held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, successfully concluded its 2026 edition on May 29, drawing hundreds of thousands of participants, tourists, and dignitaries from across Nigeria and the diaspora. 
The event, held on the third day after Eid al-Kabir (Ileya), transformed the ancient town into a spectacle of color, tradition, and heritage. This year’s edition was themed “Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona,” marking the first festival since the passing of the revered Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who reigned for 65 years.

‘Legbegbe’ (age-grade) groups paraded in coordinated, richly embroidered aso-oke attire, alongside spectacular equestrian displays, traditional music, and horse-riding processions. High-profile attendees included Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa, NTDA DG, Dr Ola Awakan and celebrities like Farooq Oreagba and many more.

The festival underscores Ojude Oba’s growing role as a premier tourism destination. It generates significant economic activity through hospitality, transportation, fashion, catering, and local trade, injecting millions into Ogun State’s economy and positioning Nigeria on the global cultural tourism map. 
Stakeholders, including corporate sponsors, highlight its potential for further growth, youth engagement, entrepreneurship, and possible UNESCO recognition. Despite the emotional tone honoring the late monarch, the event reaffirmed unity, cultural pride, and resilience. 
Ojude Oba continues to evolve as a world-class cultural export, attracting international visitors and showcasing Yoruba heritage at its finest.
