The organisers of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival have declared that this year’s edition of the globally recognised cultural celebration will be dedicated to honouring the legacy of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who died in July 2025 at the age of 91 after spending 65 years on the throne.
The Coordinator of the festival, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, disclosed this on Tuesday during a world press conference held at the Awujale Palace in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
Yusuf said the 2026 edition of the annual festival would serve as a celebration of the late monarch’s remarkable leadership, courage, vision and contributions to the development of Ijebuland and Nigeria as a whole.
He also dismissed widespread claims circulating on social media that the Ojude Oba Festival would no longer hold following the death of the revered monarch.
According to him, the late Awujale had clearly directed before his death that the festival must continue uninterrupted even after his passage.
The coordinator explained that this year’s theme, “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona,” was carefully chosen to reflect the enduring impact of the monarch’s reign on the traditional institution, governance, culture and the identity of the Ijebu people.
He described Oba Adetona as a courageous and progressive traditional ruler who transformed the image of monarchy in Nigeria and elevated the status of Ijebuland on the global stage.
According to Yusuf, the late monarch’s reign brought development, prestige and unity to the Ijebu nation while strengthening cultural pride among the people.
He said, “Throughout his reign, Oba Adetona broke barriers, redefined the institution of monarchy and repositioned Ijebuland on the cultural and socio-political map of Nigeria and the world.
“His leadership brought renewed pride and respect to the traditional institution. He was a fearless monarch who always stood for justice, truth and development.”
Yusuf said the festival would not only celebrate culture and tradition but also pay tribute to the life and legacy of one of Nigeria’s most respected traditional rulers.
He noted that in recent months, certain individuals and groups had tried to create uncertainty around the future of the festival through the “No Awujale, No Ojude Oba” campaign.
However, he insisted that the Ojude Oba Festival was bigger than any individual because it remains a major part of the history, identity and unity of the Ijebu people.
According to him, suspending the festival because of the transition of the monarch would have damaged decades of cultural preservation and economic growth associated with the celebration.
He stressed that the annual event has become an important cultural and tourism attraction that draws visitors from across Nigeria and different parts of the world.
He said the late Awujale himself strongly believed that the festival should continue permanently as a symbol of the people’s heritage and peaceful coexistence.
“Indeed, our highly respected late Kabiyesi made it abundantly clear that Ojude Oba must never be suspended because of his death or any period of interregnum,” Yusuf stated.
“He believed that the festival is a sacred cultural institution that must continue forever.”
He therefore announced that the 2026 edition of the festival would hold with “all its grandeur and splendour” on Friday, May 29, 2026, which is two days after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The coordinator also revealed that the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and his wife, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, as well as the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, are expected to attend as special guests of honour.
The Ojude Oba Festival is one of the most celebrated cultural events in Nigeria and has over the years become a major tourism and cultural attraction in Ogun State.
The colourful event usually features spectacular displays by age-grade groups known as Regberegbe, who appear in coordinated traditional attire to pay homage to the Awujale.
This year’s edition is expected to feature about 90 male and female age-grade groups dressed in elaborate and richly designed native outfits that showcase the beauty and sophistication of Ijebu culture.
Another major attraction expected at the festival is the participation of 25 warrior families known for their historical role in defending the old Ijebu kingdom before colonial rule.
Members of these families usually perform horseback processions and cultural displays as they ride to the festival pavilion to honour the monarch.
Observers believe the horse-riding display remains one of the most iconic moments of the annual celebration and continues to attract local and international tourists.
Historical records show that the Ojude Oba Festival began many decades ago following the spread of Islam in Ijebuland.
At the time, the reigning Awujale reportedly allowed Muslims to practise their religion freely without discrimination.
To appreciate the monarch’s tolerance and support, Muslim faithful gathered after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration to pay homage to him.
Over time, the gathering evolved into a grand cultural festival that now attracts thousands of visitors annually.
Today, the Ojude Oba Festival is regarded as a symbol of religious harmony, peaceful coexistence and cultural pride among the Ijebu people.
Cultural stakeholders have repeatedly described the festival as one of the strongest examples of how tradition and religion can peacefully coexist in Nigeria.
Many residents of Ijebu Ode believe this year’s edition will carry deeper emotional significance because it will be the first major Ojude Oba celebration since the death of Oba Adetona.
The late monarch, who ascended the throne in 1960, was widely respected across Nigeria for his bold views on governance, democracy and national development.
During his reign, he played key roles in promoting education, economic development and unity within Ijebuland.
Many Nigerians also admired him for speaking openly on national issues without fear or political pressure.
As preparations gather momentum for the 2026 festival, organisers say the event will not only preserve the memory of the late monarch but also reinforce the cultural values and traditions he worked tirelessly to protect during his lifetime.