Ojude Oba (The king’s forecourt) a classic example of the richness of African culture exemplified by an annual gathering of the Ijebus. The Ijebus are an ethnic nationality of the Yoruba nation from the South Western part of Nigeria.
Tucked away in the heart of the city lies a tranquil oasis, steeped in history and grandeur. The king’s forecourt, a former royal residence, has stood the test of time, its majestic architecture and serene atmosphere a testament to a bygone era.
As one enters the forecourt, the hustle and bustle of the city fades away, replaced by an eerie silence. The imposing structure, with its intricately carved stone façade and grand archways, exudes an aura of regality.
The courtyard, once a hub of royal activity, for Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale and paramount ruler of the Ijebu nation, now serves as a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking respite from the chaos of modern life. The one-day festival explodes with cultural pride, showcasing fashion, glamour, and the rich heritage of the Ijebu people.
According to the royal father, the event which attracts the sons and daughters of Ijebu-land across the country, and in the diaspora, also boosts the tourism potentials of the land, as foreigners throng Ijebu-Ode annually to witness, and help tell the story of the Ijebus to the global audience.
Ojude Oba has a rich history, dating back to the 18th century when it was first celebrated as a melting pot to get all Ijebu sons and daughters together to celebrate their rich heritage. Over the centuries, it has played host to numerous royal events, state visits, and historic meetings.
During the festival, different groups, families and communities come together to pay homage to the Awujale, the paramount ruler of Ijebuland. Ojude Oba is one of the most spiritual and glamorous festivals celebrated in Ijebuland and generally in Ogun State.
The festival that began over 200 years ago during the reign of Oba Adesimbo Tunwase, has found root in the annual celebration of the Ijebus, held on the third day after Eid-el-Kabir (the Islamic celebration of Salah popularly regarded as Ileya and significant with the slaughtering of ram).
As visitors wander through the king’s forecourt, they can admire the richness of the culture. The tranquil atmosphere is punctuated by the colourful attires of the different groups that march across the forecourt to pay homage.
Today, Ojude Oba serves as an open air museum, showcasing a collection of fashion, art and artifacts that tell the story of the Ijebus and their industrial trajectory. It is today a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of the Ijebus, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.
This historic gem is a reminder of the beauty and grandeur of the past, a place where one can escape the present and connect with the rich heritage of the Ijebus’ ancestors. And, the 2024 Ojude Oba festival did not fail in the display of colours, royalty, art that has characterised the celebration over the years.
While addressing the crowd at the festival, governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, said, “The festival is a bond that unites Ijebu people and will always be held as it is one of the traditions that dates back two centuries ago, and a reflection of the cultural ideals that advances the development of Ijebu-land, hence his administration’s support to its observance.”
The highlight of the 2024 celebration was the age-grade ‘Regberegbe’ parade that saw about 90 age grade performances both male and female march out vivaciously showing off their culture with music, dance, and bright outfits to pay homage to the Awujale of Ijebuland, and 25 families of warlords, showcasing their dexterity in a peaceful and orderly manner that depicts their experience in warfare.
“Rite Foods Limited will continually support worthy initiatives, like the Ojude Oba festival, that represents cherished norms and values of the Ijebu nation, a collective endeavor of their tradition and cultural activities that bind them together,” Ekuma Eze, head of corporate affairs and sustainability, Rite Foods Limited stated at the Ijebu Ode pavilion where the festival was held.
According to him, the continuous sponsorship of the cultural event stems from the brand’s commitment to promoting the age-long tradition and legacies that have been bequeathed to the Ijebu people and the ties that unite them.
“We are excited to be in the vanguard of preserving the identity and civilisation of the Ijebu people, and to refresh participants at the Ojude Oba festival with our array of unique brands comprising the 13 variants of the Bigi Carbonated Soft Drink.
“With a world-class factory at Ososa, in Ijebu-land, with many contributions to the development of the area, the company is committed to enriching the lives of the people in many ways, as demonstrated with the Ojude Oba sponsorship,” Eze stated.
The beverage company reiterated its partnership with the Ojude Oba festival as a testament to the brand’s commitment to promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage of its host communities.
This year’s edition themed: “Ojude Oba: Peace, Unity and Harmony, Our Gifts” was celebrated on Tuesday, 18th June 2024. The annual cultural display of the array and variety of dances, troops, and gallantry of the Ijebu people – at the king’s court.
Another standout figure of the 2024 celebration was Farooq Oreagba, the managing director and CEO of NG Clearing Limited. Clad in a striking green and lemon agbada, complemented by red coral beads and a crossbody gold chain. Oreagba effortlessly embodied the stylish attires of the celebrants.
Similarly, Mike Adenuga, chairman, Globacom, in a goodwill message stated that Ojude Oba and other age-long festivals in the country have huge potential to promote cultural diversification, national identity, harmony and unity.
According to him, the festival could foster cultural exchange and showcase Nigeria’s rich heritage to the world. He added that the festival also had the potential to boost tourism.
