Ahead of this year’s Ojude-Oba festival, the Organisers of the bi-annual festival have affirmed that the annual cultural celebration will be held despite the passing of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

Speaking in Ijebu Ode ahead of the festival, the coordinator of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival Organising Committee, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, disclosed that the late monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, had made it clear during his lifetime that the festival must never be suspended because of his death or any interregnum.

According to him, Oba Adetona regarded the festival as a sacred cultural institution that should continue to thrive for generations.

“Indeed, our highly respected late Kabiyesi himself made it abundantly clear that Ojude Oba must never be suspended on account of his passage or during any interregnum.

“According to his noble conviction, the festival remains a sacred cultural institution that must continue to flourish into eternity.

“It is, therefore, with great pride, confidence, and a deep sense of responsibility that we announce to the world today that the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival shall be held with all its grandeur and splendour,” he said.

Yusuf described the festival as a symbol of heritage, religious tolerance, pride, and the collective destiny of the Ijebu people.

He noted that the late traditional ruler would always be remembered for transforming and internationalising the Ojude Oba Festival into a globally recognised cultural brand.

According to him, the festival has continued to unite families, friends, visitors, sponsors, and the entire Ijebu nation over the years.

Yusuf added that the colourful participation of various age-grade groups, known as Regberegbe, appeared in elaborate traditional attire during the celebration.

He also noted the equestrian displays by descendants of ancient Ijebu warlords, whose forebears defended the Ijebu nation in pre-colonial times.

According to him, the reign of the late Awujale brought prestige, unity, development, and renewed pride to the traditional institution.

Yusuf disclosed that the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour at the festival.

He commended the First Lady for her commitment to national unity, cultural heritage, and national development.

Also speaking at the Ogun Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Sesan Fagbayi explained the festival as a symbol of unity, resilience, and pride for the people of Ijebuland and Ogun State.

Fagbayi said the 2026 festival would serve not only as a cultural celebration but also as a platform for transformation and development.

According to him, the state government intends to leverage the festival to drive tourism, economic growth, and cultural diplomacy.

The organizer also used the opportunity to unveil the 2026 logo of the Ojude Oba festival inscribed with the late Awujale’s picture.