OJUDE OBA 2025

           

         The Ojude Oba Festival 2025, held on June 8 in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, was a vibrant and culturally rich event showcasing the heritage, fashion, and unity of the Ijebu people. The festival, themed "Ojude Oba: Celebrating Our Roots, Preserving Our Future," featured a grand procession with beautifully decorated horses ridden by members of the royal families, traditional drumming, Yoruba songs, and a colorful display of local crafts and food.

Over 85 active social groups participated, many involved in community development projects like renovating schools and conducting medical outreaches, highlighting the festival's social impact. The event drew a large crowd, nearly double that of the previous year, including tourists, celebrities, business leaders, and political figures such as Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Ogun governor Gbenga Daniel.

Fashion was a major highlight, with men dressed in agbada embroidered in gold and silver and women in adire, ankara, and aso-oke, often with coordinated accessories. Notably, young women made a historic statement by riding horses during the parade, symbolizing evolving gender roles and inclusivity. The festival also featured performances and appearances by Nigerian celebrities like Lateef Adedimeji, Eniola Badmus, Femi Branch, Tobi Bakre, and Lil Kesh, adding glamour to the cultural celebration.

A standout personality was Farooq Oreagba, a cancer survivor whose confident horse ride and inspiring story made him a social media sensation and festival ambassador. The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy praised Ojude Oba as a significant expression of Nigeria’s cultural diversity and traditional heritage.

  Political figures such as Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Ogun governor Gbenga Daniel attended, lending official recognition and support that underscored the festival’s importance to the state and its cultural heritage. Their participation reinforced the festival’s role in community development and cultural preservation, as many social groups involved also engaged in philanthropic activities during the event.

Celebrities, including popular Nigerian entertainers like Lateef Adedimeji, Eniola Badmus, Femi Branch, Tobi Bakre, and Lil Kesh, contributed to a festive and vibrant atmosphere. Their performances and appearances brought excitement and contemporary cultural relevance, attracting younger audiences and media coverage that amplified the festival’s reach and appeal.

     

     Different companies sponsored the Ojude Oba Festival 2025, supporting this vibrant cultural event held in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State:

Globacom (Glo): The telecommunications company marked its 20th year of uninterrupted sponsorship, organizing consumer promotions with prizes including Suzuki Celerio cars, tricycles, generators, grinding, and sewing machines. Glo also hosted a royal banquet called "Evening with Glo" to appreciate the community's support.

Rite Foods: The food company sponsored the festival by feeding over 21,000 guests with its brands of drinks and sausage, emphasizing its commitment to preserving Nigerian culture and supporting the socio-economic well-being of communities.

SIFAX Group: An indigenous conglomerate that announced its sponsorship of the 2025 Ojude Oba Festival, reflecting its support for culture, unity, and tradition.

Orijin (Guinness Nigeria Plc): Named the official alcoholic beverage sponsor, Orijin aligned its brand with the festival’s cultural pride and community spirit, promoting its mantra "My Roots, My Power" and supporting the preservation of African heritage.

   These companies played significant roles in making the 2025 Ojude Oba Festival a memorable celebration of Yoruba culture and tradition

    Ojude Oba 2025 was a vibrant fusion of history, fashion, faith, and cultural pride, showcasing why it remains one of Nigeria’s most prestigious and iconic celebrations. With its rich traditions on full display and global reach expanding, its reputation continues to shine , while spotlighting areas for future refinement.

    With global momentum behind it, there's a growing call for improved venues, better crowd control, livestreaming, and longer-term planning to support this world-class celebration.

  Overall, Ojude Oba 2025 was not only a celebration of Ijebu traditions but also a global cultural event positioning Ogun State as a major destination for cultural tourism.