The ancient city of Ijebu-Ode came alive with culture, glamour, and tradition as the 2026 edition of the Ojude Oba Festival officially kicked off with vibrant parades and royal displays.

The annual festival, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated cultural events, is traditionally held on the third day after Eid al-Kabir to honour the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona. The event traces its roots to over a century ago when early Muslim converts in Ijebuland gathered to thank the monarch for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

This year’s celebration once again transformed Ijebu-Ode into a spectacle of fashion, heritage, music, and equestrian displays as thousands of indigenes, tourists, celebrities, and dignitaries flooded the town for the iconic cultural gathering.

Regberegbe Groups Dazzle with Fashion and Tradition

A major highlight of the festival was the parade of the famous regberegbe age-grade groups, whose members appeared in coordinated luxury attire featuring richly embroidered aso-oke fabrics, coral beads, and elaborate accessories.

Women stole attention with towering geles and elegant traditional outfits, while men showcased flowing agbadas, caps, and walking sticks in bold colours reflecting Yoruba cultural pride.

The regberegbe processions remain central to the Ojude Oba Festival, symbolising unity, development, and social identity among the Ijebu people.

Farooq Oreagba Returns as Festival Crowd Favourite

Festival sensation Farooq Oreagba once again became one of the most talked-about figures at the event after making a stylish appearance in a regal purple cap and flowing white agbada.

Oreagba, whose striking horseback appearance at previous editions went viral across social media, drew loud cheers from festivalgoers as cameras followed his entrance into the parade ground.

Social media platforms were also flooded with photos and videos celebrating the businessman’s fashion style and cultural presence at the festival.

Nollywood Stars and Horse Riders Add Glamour

Several Nigerian entertainers and public figures joined the celebration, including Nollywood actors Femi Branch and Dayo Amusa, who mingled with guests and participated in cultural activities.

Traditional horse-riding families and dynasties, especially descendants of the historic Balogun Kuku lineage, also thrilled spectators with colourful equestrian processions that have become one of the festival’s signature attractions.

The horse parades featured richly decorated horses, ceremonial riders, drummers, and praise singers, further reinforcing the festival’s reputation as one of Africa’s largest cultural gatherings.

Festival Celebrates Yoruba Heritage and Unity

The Ojude Oba Festival has grown from a religious thanksgiving gathering into a globally recognised cultural celebration that attracts visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora.

Cultural observers say the event continues to promote Yoruba heritage, tourism, and intergenerational unity while preserving the traditions of the Ijebu people.

This year’s edition carried themes of royal legacy, cultural pride, and communal identity as participants celebrated the enduring influence of the Awujale and the rich heritage of Ijebuland.

Follow BONA NAIJA for more