Today, the vibrant annual Ojude Oba festival is being celebrated in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, marking the third day after Eid-el-Kabir. Hundreds of thousands of Ijebu people, joined by dignitaries, cultural tourists, and Nigerians from across the country have gathered at the Awujale Pavilion to pay homage to their monarch, Oba Sikiru Adetona. The colourful event features traditional age-grade groups, known as regberegbe, parading in elegant attire and elaborate headpieces, while horseback riders from Balogun families perform ceremonial salutes through drumming and fanfare.
More than a visual spectacle, Ojude Oba carries deep cultural and spiritual meaning. Originating over a century ago when Balogun Kuku, a Muslim convert, established the festival to thank the Awujale for religious freedom, it has grown into a powerful celebration of heritage, faith, and unity . Today, the festival draws up to a million participants from Nigeria and the diaspora, showcasing Yoruba fashion from indigo-dyed Adire and saree-elegant Aso-Oke to symbolise status, lineage, and social progression.
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