The 2025 edition of the Ojude Oba Festival, held on Sunday in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, was a grand cultural display that drew notable dignitaries and an impressive crowd of tourists and art lovers from across the country and beyond. Among the distinguished guests were Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, and the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun CON, MFR.
Both dignitaries praised the organisers and main sponsor, Globacom, for elevating the historic event into a globally recognised cultural and tourism spectacle. In his goodwill message, Governor Abiodun hailed the 65-year reign of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, as one of "purposeful leadership, progressive vision, and unwavering commitment to the upliftment of Ijebuland and the entire Ogun State."
Barrister Musawa commended the festival as a shining example of Nigeria’s cultural wealth, stating, “Ojude Oba is a powerful testament to the richness of our cultural diversity and the resilience of our traditional institutions in preserving history for future generations.”
As part of the celebrations, Globacom—marking its 20th consecutive year as headline sponsor—added thrilling excitement to the day with generous prizes for members of the Ijebu community. Two brand-new Suzuki Celerio cars were presented to deserving recipients.
One of the car winners, Mr. Opeoluwa Osisanwo, Secretary of the Ojude Oba Festival Planning Committee and a member of Egbe Tobalase Okunrin, was honoured for his outstanding leadership and tireless dedication. In a dramatic twist, Osisanwo—who had been feeling dizzy from the rigours of pre-festival activities—was briefly led away for fresh air moments before the announcement. He was later brought back to witness his surprise honour.
“I never knew people were watching me. I was just serving my land of birth to the best of my ability,” an emotional Osisanwo said, expressing gratitude to the Awujale and his fellow committee members for the opportunity to serve despite being the youngest among them.
The second car winner, Mrs. Idowu Olabisi, a trader from Ijebu Igbo, was overwhelmed with joy upon receiving her prize. “I had no inkling I would get such a gift at this time. Globacom truly gave me a memorable Eid celebration,” she said.
Other exciting prizes given out by Globacom included: Four tricycles (Keke): won by Hassan Toheeb (Ijebu Itele), Adenike Olanrewaju (Molipa, Ijebu Ode), Gazal Temitope (Olisa, Ijebu Ode), and Lawal Tosin (Ijebu Ode). Five power-generating sets and Ten brand-new grinding machines
In celebration of its sponsorship milestone, Globacom also gifted specially-packaged Basmati rice to members of nearly 100 different Regberegbe age-grade groups as a token of appreciation for their loyalty and cultural contributions.
The festival grounds came alive with dazzling displays from Regberegbe groups in colourful attire, energetic drumming, and coordinated dance performances, all paying homage to the revered monarch, who was represented by his consort, Olori Kemi Adetona. Eleshin horse-riding families also paraded in warrior regalia, reflecting the valorous legacy of their ancestors.
Also in attendance were esteemed personalities such as Olorogun Sunny Kuku, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland; former Ogun State governors Chief Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel; captains of industry of Ijebu descent; and friends of the Ijebu nation from around the world.
As the curtains fell on the 2025 Ojude Oba Festival, it once again affirmed its place as one of Nigeria’s most vibrant cultural festivals—where history meets modern celebration, and tradition thrives alongside innovation.