Ojude Oba 2024: A Cultural Extravaganza in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria -A showcase of fashion and prosperity in Yoruba tradition

The people of Ijebu are a sub-ethnic Yoruba group in the southwestern part of Nigeria. The Ijebus in present day Ogun state share boundaries with Ibadan, Oyo state, the Egbas in Abeokuta and the Ilajes very close to Lagos. The are closest to the lagoon waters of Epe, Ejinrin, Ikorodu, and Ogun Waterside. Ijebu is divided into Ijebu Ode, Ijebu Igbo, Ijebu Imushin, Ijebu Ife and Ijebu Ososa. Ijebu is a combination of two words, Ije and Ibu which means “feed of the deep” of the Ocean.

The most popular story about the origin of the Ijẹbu people is that they migrated to their current location from Waddai, where they met the native Idoko people. Waddai is part of Sudan. This view is supported by Oba Sikiru Adetona, the current Awujalẹ of Ijẹbu, and historian E. A. Ayandele. Other traditions suggest they migrated from Ile-Ifẹ or from Bini through Ile-Ifẹ. These migrations reportedly happened in three waves. The first was led by Olu Iwa, who gave his daughter to Oduduwa as a wife while passing through Ile-Ifẹ to Ijẹbuland. The second wave followed, and the third was led by Ogboroganluda, also known as Obanta, said to be Oduduwa’s son with Olu Iwa’s daughter. The name of the main Ijẹbu town, Ijẹbu Ode, combines the names of two key figures, Ajebu and Olode, who accompanied Olu Iwa on his journey to Ijẹbuland.

The Ojude Oba Festival is one of the significant cultural and religious events celebrated annually in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria. This vibrant festival which takes place three days after Eid-el-Kabir gathers the Ijebu people to honor the Awujale (the paramount ruler of Ijebuland) and to celebrate their rich heritage and traditions.

Image captured at Ojude Oba Festival by Chukwudi Onwumere for Cultural Canvas Limited

History of the Ojude Oba Celebration

The origins of the Ojude Oba Festival date back over a century to the reign of Oba Adesumbo Tunwase, the Awujale of Ijebuland in the late 19th century. Initially a religious celebration by early Muslim converts in Ijebuland to thank the Awujale for his support and to seek his blessings after the Eid-El-Kabir (Ileya) festival, it has since evolved into a major cultural event that includes people of all faiths. The festival has become a symbol of unity and cultural pride for the Ijebu people. The Ojude Oba festival was also traced back to 1878 during the reign of Awujale Ademuyewo Afidipotemole, with Alli-Tubogun, formerly a slave, pivotal in openly practicing Islam with his master’s support, which spurred the religion’s growth. By 1880, Islam flourished, establishing mosques across Ijebu-Ode.

Another source linked the history of the festival to Chief Balogun Kuku over a century ago. It was said that in 1896, 41 Ijebu men were baptized by Reverends R.A. Conner and E.W. George, advocating monogamy. This prompted Chief Balogun Kuku’s conversion to Islam, forsaking Christianity due to its restriction on polygamy. His influential conversion significantly boosted Islam’s followership.

The Ojude Oba Festival was also said to have evolved from the Odeda Festival, where devotees of traditional religions showcased their identities through dance and music annually. After embracing Islam, Chief Kuku initiated the Ita-Oba festival, later transforming into the renowned Ojude Oba Festival, widely celebrated among the Ijebu people and recognized globally.

The Ojude Oba festival features several activities such as the parade of the regberegbes, parade of the horse riders, cultural displays, fashion, masquerades and paying obeisance to the king.

Processions of the “Regberegbes”

The Ojude Oba Festival is renowned for its colorful processions. The event features various age-grade groups known as “Regberegbes,” dressed in elaborate and vibrant traditional attire. Each group parades through the streets to the Awujale’s palace, showcasing their unique dances, music, and performances. Most of the groups do have their coat of arms on display as well. The regberegbes are known to compete amongst themselves to put on an impressive display, showing their strength, wealth, fashion sense and agility.

In the competition, one of the key features of Globacom’s sponsorship of the festival, Egbe Bobasete Okunrin Omooba turned out as the best-dressed age grade. Egbe Bobagunte Okunrin Akile Ijebu and Egbe Bobamayegun Okunrin Asiwaju emerged as first and second runners-up in the male category. In the female category, Egbe Bobagunwa Obinrin Omooba came first with Egbe Bobagunwa Obinrin Asiwaju and Egbe Arobayo Obinrin Akile Ijebu emerging as runners-up, winning the same prizes as their male counterparts.

Another highlight of the festival was the parade of horse riders, often descendants of noble families, who display their horsemanship skills adorned in splendid Yoruba traditional regalia, adding to the celebration’s grandeur.

Planning and Sponsorship

The planning of the Ojude Oba Festival is a meticulous process overseen by the Ojude Oba Planning Committee led by Chief Olu Okuboyejo. This committee comprises community leaders, representatives of the Regberegbes, and officials from the Awujale’s palace. The planning involves coordinating various activities, ensuring security, and organizing the cultural displays. Sponsorship plays a crucial role in the festival, with contributions from both private and corporate entities. Major Nigerian brands and local businesses often sponsor different aspects of the festival, providing financial support and promotional activities.

The 2024 edition of the Ojude Oba Festival, sponsored by Globacom, showcased the cultural richness and community spirit of Ijebuland. The festival, themed “Unity and Harmony in Ijebuland,” exemplified values that have defined the event for over a century. Dignitaries including Governor Dapo Abiodun, Dr. Mike Adenuga, Chairman of Globacom and representatives from various sectors recognized the festival’s potential to promote cultural diversification, national identity, harmony, and unity. This recognition underscores its significance not only as a cultural heritage event but also as a potential driver of tourism and economic diversification in Nigeria.

Cultural Aspects of the Ojude Oba’s Festival

The Ojude Oba Festival is a celebration of Ijebu culture and heritage. It includes traditional music, dance, and attire that reflect the rich history of the Ijebu people. The Regberegbes perform traditional dances and songs passed down through generations. Craftsmen and artisans display their works, showcasing traditional arts and crafts. The festival serves as a platform to promote and preserve the cultural identity of the Ijebu people.

Throughout the festival, traditional dancers, drummers, and musicians perform to the delight of attendees. These performances include dynamic dances such as the Bata and Eyo, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of traditional Dundun and Gangan drums. The cultural performances not only entertain but also serve to preserve and promote the artistic heritage of the Ijebu people. King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall also known as “K1 The Ultimate” is the Olori Omo Oba of Ijebu land. He is an Ijebu born Fuji Music Maestro and he often performs and entertain guests at previous festival celebrations.

Islamic Significance of the Festival

Although the Ojude Oba Festival has evolved to include people of various religious backgrounds, its roots in Islamic tradition remain quite significant. The festival usually takes place on the third day after Eid-El-Kabir (Ileya), which is an important Islamic holiday in Nigeria. Muslim prayers and religious observances are integral to the festival, with Islamic leaders and scholars participating in the celebrations. The festival highlights the harmonious coexistence of different religious practices within the Ijebu community.

The King and the Ruling Houses

The Awujale of Ijebuland is the central figure of the Ojude Oba Festival. The present Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has played a pivotal role in promoting and enhancing the festival. The ruling houses of Ijebuland, including various noble families, actively participate in the event. These families, with their deep historical roots and significant influence, contribute to the planning and execution of the festival. Their presence adds a layer of historical continuity and prestige to the celebrations.

Horse riders and the Parade

Horses are a prominent feature of the Ojude Oba Festival. The parade of horse riders is one of the most anticipated events, with riders showcasing their skill and the beauty of their horses. The horses are meticulously groomed and adorned with colorful decorations, including embroidered saddle cloths and ornate bridles. The riders, often dressed in regal attire, represent the noble lineage and martial traditions of the Ijebu people.

Ijebu social groups, Communities and Funfair

The Ojude Oba Festival is a time for families and communities to come together in celebration. It is a period of reunion for Ijebu indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora. Families prepare lavish feasts and host guests, reflecting the spirit of hospitality and communal living. The funfair aspect of the festival includes various entertainment activities such as amusement rides, games, and food stalls. Local vendors and artisans sell traditional foods, crafts, and souvenirs, adding to the festive atmosphere.

2024 Ojude Oba Festival Highlights

The 2024 Ojude Oba Festival was attended by dignitaries, such as the Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, who emphasized the administration’s commitment to elevating the event to a global scale. The governor noted that the festival, held at the Ojude Oba Pavilion in Ijebu-Ode, has grown from a local gathering to an event attracting national and international audiences. Governor Abiodun highlighted the festival’s role as a tourist attraction symbolizing the unity, hard work, and industry of the Ijebu people.

The governor also acknowledged the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his interest in expanding the festival’s scope, especially with plans to include it in UNESCO’s world cultural heritage. The governor assured continued support for creating a conducive environment for business and community development, urging unity and harmony among the people of Ogun State.

The Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hon. Hannatu Musa-Musawa, represented by Rev. Ben Ugo, expressed the ministry’s efforts to promote and preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage. The festival chairman, Chief Olu Okuboyejo, thanked the governor for his support and the people for their enthusiastic participation in the event.

Fashion and pageantry are integral aspects of the Ojude Oba Festival, where attendees adorn themselves in exquisite traditional attire, creating a vibrant spectacle of colorful fabrics and intricate designs that symbolize cultural pride and identity. Participants engage in beauty pageants and fashion contests, not only showcasing their attire but also demonstrating their knowledge of cultural norms and skills in traditional dressmaking. This celebration of fashion plays a crucial role in preserving and transmitting the cultural heritage of the Ijebu people across generations.

Accompanying the festival’s vibrant atmosphere are traditional masquerades representing deities and spirits from Ijebu mythology. Adorned in elaborate costumes and masks, these masquerades perform ritual dances that evoke a sense of mystique and spirituality, fostering a deep connection to ancestral traditions. Their presence underscores the festival’s spiritual dimension, where cultural beliefs and rituals are honored and celebrated amidst the joyous festivities.

At the heart of the Ojude Oba Festival is the payment of obeisance to the Awujale, the paramount ruler of Ijebuland. Seated in his royal court, the Awujale receives greetings, tributes, and gifts from various age grades, community leaders, and dignitaries. This act of homage signifies the deep respect and loyalty the Ijebu people hold for their traditional ruler, reinforcing the bond between the ruler and his subjects. It highlights the Awujale’s pivotal role as a unifying figure and custodian of Ijebu culture and tradition, making the Ojude Oba Festival not just a celebration but a testament to the enduring heritage and communal spirit of the Ijebu people.

In summary, the Ojude Oba Festival is a vibrant celebration encapsulating the rich cultural heritage, religious diversity, and communal spirit of the Ijebu people. Through its processions, cultural displays, and communal activities, the festival continues to foster unity, pride, and cultural preservation in Ijebu Ode and beyond.