… nollywood stars, Regberegbe groups and cultural enthusiasts showcase rich heritage of Ijebuland
The ancient town of Ijebu-Ode came alive with colour, culture and celebration as millions of sons and daughters of Ijebuland, alongside visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora, gathered for the 2026 edition of the renowned Ojude Oba Festival.
This year’s festival, themed “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona,” held special significance as it was the first edition following the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the revered Awujale of Ijebuland.
Despite the transition in the traditional institution, the festival retained its grandeur and vibrancy, reinforcing its reputation as one of Africa’s leading cultural festivals and a major tourism attraction.
Adding glamour to the celebration, several Nollywood stars and entertainment personalities graced the event, proudly showcasing the rich and colourful cultural heritage of the Yoruba people through elegant traditional attire, fashion displays and public appearances that captivated attendees and social media audiences alike.
The term “Ojude Oba,” which means “the king’s forecourt” in Yoruba, refers to the annual gathering where sons and daughters of Ijebuland pay homage to their paramount ruler and celebrate their shared heritage.
Beyond its visual splendour, the festival continues to serve as a symbol of identity, unity and communal pride among the Ijebu people.
Although Ojude Oba has evolved into a globally recognised cultural event attended by people of different faiths and backgrounds, its origins date back to the late 19th century when early Muslim converts in Ijebu-Ode gathered to thank the Awujale for granting them freedom of worship.
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