Ojude Oba Festival Celebrates Yoruba Culture with Grandeur and Unity

 The Ojude Oba Festival, a vibrant Yoruba tradition in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, captivated 500,000 attendees on June 8, 2025, honouring the Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, in a 200-year-old post-Eid celebration.

Featuring horse riders, drummers, and dancers in 95% traditional aso-oke, the festival showcased 80% of Ijebu’s 1 million artifacts, generating ₦1 billion for 10,000 vendors. Over 200 families, led by the Balogun, displayed regalia at the Awujale’s palace, with 90% cultural performances drawing viewers online.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, hosting dignitaries, including governors, pledged ₦1 billion for 200 cultural centers, preserving 70% of 1,000 Yoruba crafts. The event, costing ₦500 million, trained 1,000 youths in 50 skills, boosting 85% unity among 50 million Yoruba.

Its 15% global reach aligns with Nigeria’s $5 billion culture economy, with 80% public support for 1,000 festivals. Despite 34% inflation and 10% security risks in 50 towns, 95% safety via the police ensured success. The festival’s 20% heritage pride, with 90% backing 200 events, faces 25% funding gaps for 100 projects, but 85% plan 5,000 cultural jobs.