The Ojude Oba Festival—which took place on the third day after Eid‑al‑Kabir—turned Ijebu‑Ode into a vibrant epicenter of Yoruba culture. As always, the occasion brought together regberegbe (age-grade cohorts), esteemed guests, and local leaders to honor the Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, at the historic palace forecourt

Ojude Oba—“King’s Forecourt”—originates from 19th-century gestures of gratitude by newly converted Muslims towards the Awujale. Over time, it has transformed into a grand annual event, held three days after Eid‑al‑Adha, where the Awujale is publicly celebrated for his patronage of Ijebu traditions and religious tolerance. It evolved from Ita‑Oba, initiated by Muslim converts like Chief Balogun Kuku, to honor the monarch after Eid prayers. This year’s attendance reaffirmed its status as a gathering of unity, cultural pride, and enduring tradition. This year, Awujale Oba Adetona was notably absent, due to age, and was represented by Olori Kemi Adetona at the festival. Although speculation flared, organizers emphasized his non-attendance stemmed from age, not ill health.

Regberegbe Parade & Horse-Riding

One of the Central to the festivities are the regberegbe—age-grade associations showcasing distinctive color palettes and elaborate fabric combinations like Aso‑Oke, Adire, damask, and lace. Each cohort manifests identity, solidarity, and socioeconomic status through synchronized attire and celebratory choreography, forming a harmonious yet competitive pageantry .

Complementing the fashion display were horse-riding members, Horsemen from historic Balogun dynasties—traditional warrior families—rode with ceremonial grandeur, clad in ornate garb and accompanied by musket salutes. Their presence evokes ancestral valor and cultural prestige .

Performances by drummers, dancers from various lineages, and traditional rituals provided a sensory feast. Media outlets like Punch NG highlighted the festival’s artistic vibrancy as emblematic of Yoruba cultural richness . Ojude Oba’s runway atmosphere is unmistakable: it has been described as a “full‑colour showdown” where top-to-bottom coordinated ensembles, matching accessories, and bold sunglasses dominated street style. These outfits aren’t just aesthetic—they signal status, group identity, and cultural storytelling.

Ojude Oba 2025 crystallized tradition and modernity: it was a vivid exhibition of Yoruba artistry, unity, and cultural magnificence. Dignitaries, royals, horse-riding dynasties, and regberegbe lent the event a deeply layered narrative of reverence, pride, and style—a celebration resonating far beyond Ijebu‑Ode. With attendance from Nigerians across geopolitical zones and the diaspora, Ojude Oba 2025 reinforced its role as a cultural summit—unifying Ijebu descendants globally and spotlighting Yoruba heritage on a world stage