The organisers of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival have offered reasons why the annual cultural celebration will hold despite the passage of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
The Coordinator of the Festival Organising Committee, Fassy Yusuf, stated this at a news conference in Ijebu-Ode on Tuesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the 2026 festival is: “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona.”
Yusuf, at the news briefing heralding the festival at the Awujale’s Palace, said the late traditional ruler had made it clear during his lifetime that the festival must never be suspended because of his death or any interregnum.
According to him, Oba Adetona regarded the festival as a sacred cultural institution that should continue to thrive for generations.
He said: “Indeed, our highly espected late Kabiyesi himself made it abundantly clear that Ojude Oba must never be suspended on account of his passage or during any interregnum.
“According to his noble conviction, the festival remains a sacred cultural institution that must continue to flourish into eternity.
“It is, therefore, with great pride, confidence and a deep sense of responsibility that we announce to the world today that the 2026 Ojude Oba festival shall hold with all its grandeur and splendour.”
Yusuf described the festival as a symbol of heritage, religious tolerance, pride, and the collective destiny of the Ijebu people.
He noted that the late traditional ruler would always be remembered for transforming and internationalising the Ojude Oba Festival into a globally recognised cultural brand.
According to him, the festival has continued to unite families, friends, visitors, sponsors and the entire Ijebu nation over the years.
Yusuf highlighted the colourful participation of various age-grade groups, known as Regberegbe, who appear in elaborate traditional attire during the celebration.
He also noted the equestrian displays by descendants of ancient Ijebu warlords, whose forebears defended the Ijebu nation in pre-colonial times.
According to him, the reign of the late Awujale brought prestige, unity, development and renewed pride to the traditional institution.
Yusuf disclosed that the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is expected as the Special Guest of Honour at the festival.
He commended the First Lady for her commitment to national unity, cultural heritage and national development.
In his remarks, the Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sesan Fagbayi, described the festival as a symbol of unity, resilience and pride for the people of Ijebuland and Ogun state.
Fagbayi said the 2026 festival would serve not only as a cultural celebration but also as a platform for transformation and development.
According to him, the state government intends to leverage the festival to drive tourism, economic growth and cultural diplomacy.
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