It was a breathtaking fusion of colour, royalty, celebrity sparkle and cultural splendour as the historic town of Ijebu-Ode erupted in jubilation for the 2025 edition of the Ojude Oba Festival.
The iconic celebration, revered for showcasing the cultural wealth of the Ijebu people, once again delivered an unforgettable spectacle.
Draped in resplendent traditional attire, thousands of sons and daughters of Ijebuland trooped out to pay homage to the revered Awujale of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, led the list of dignitaries at the celebration, offering royal respect to the monarch at the forecourt of the palace.
The Ojude Oba—meaning The King’s Forecourt—is more than a cultural gathering; it’s an embodiment of heritage, pride and unity. Traditionally held on the third day after Eid al-Kabir, the festival has grown into a grand display of equestrian grace, aristocratic regalia, and communal joy.
This year’s event saw an infusion of glamour as notable personalities from politics, entertainment and society stormed the venue in grand fashion.
Among the early show-stoppers was Senator and former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), who made a majestic entrance to a wave of admiration and applause. Deeply rooted in Ijebu heritage, his presence evoked nostalgia and pride among attendees.
The festival’s vibrance soared when Nigerian music sensation Lil Kesh arrived, embodying a perfect blend of celebrity charm and cultural allegiance. Clad in coordinated traditional wear alongside a lady from the prominent Keshinro family—known for their horse-riding legacy—Lil Kesh drew the spotlight with his fusion of fame and tradition.
Adding silver screen sparkle to the day were Nollywood stars Lateef Adedimeji and Femi Branch. Elegantly dressed in rich Yoruba attires, the actors received thunderous cheers as they mingled with the crowd, further lifting the festival’s glamour quotient.
Then came the grand moment—Farouk Oreagba, the celebrated showstopper of the 2024 festival, made yet another jaw-dropping appearance. Known for his flamboyant style and magnetic presence, Oreagba’s entrance sent the crowd into a frenzy. Camera flashes followed his every step, with many calling him the “cultural king of swag.
From royal horse parades to stylish agbadas, joyful dancing to the rhythmic beats of the talking drum, Ojude Oba 2025 proved once again to be a breathtaking convergence of legacy and modernity.
