Ojude Oba Festival 2025 Showcases Rich Yoruba Culture and Tradition

The Ojude Oba Festival is a colorful celebration organized every year by the Ijebu people in Ogun State, Nigeria. It is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Ijebu people and their commitment to preserving and celebrating their traditions.

The history of the festival can be traced to the 19th century when Islam began to spread across Ijebuland.. Ojude Oba, which means ‘The King’s Court,’ was originally organized by a group of Muslim faithful to pay homage to the traditional ruler of Ijebuland.

It is a vibrant cultural celebration of the Ijebu people in Ogun State, Nigeria, which is held on the third day after Eid-el-Kabir, traditionally marking the end of the Muslim festival. It is one of Nigeria’s most significant festivals connected to culture and tradition.

Now, under the leadership of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, Ojude Oba takes place at the Awujale Pavilion in Ijebu Ode.

This year’s edition is expected to be attended by hundreds of participants, including prominent individuals, drawn from different parts of the country and elegantly dressed in local fabrics like Adire, Aso Oke, Agbada, and Iro and Buba.

The event usually features spectacular horse riding by different groups of people, cultural dance, and musical performances by different artists.

The horse riders, who represent different Balogun families, are stylishly dressed. The families include Balogun Adenuga, Balogun Alatise, Balogun Adesoye, Balogun Alausa, and Balogun Kuku.

Photo credits: Zebra, Folastag, Niyi Fagbemi, News Central TV and Hafeez Akanni