Ojude Oba Festival 2019

History of Ojude Oba

Ojude Oba is an annually celebrated festival in the heart of Ijebu Ode, the capital of the whole Ijebu nation; with an estimated population of 30,000 attendants. The colourful and glamorous festival is celebrated on the third day of the Muslim's Eid El-Kabir festival, otherwise known as 'Ileya' among the Yoruba people. The festival is used as a medium of uniting the sons and daughters of the Ijebu nation at home and abroad.

The origin of the Ojude Oba festival can be traced back to a period over of 100 years ago when the newly converted muslims of Ijebuland thought it was the best time to show their sincere gratitude to the then Awujale (Ijebu King) for allowing them to practice their new religion.

During the Ojude Oba festival, numerous people gather as early as possible at the venue to witness all the opening events of the festival. Every sight is an amazing one to behold as different participants showcase what they have to offer. the masquerades, horse riders, and the long legged 'Agere' also paint the scene with awe and excitement. The streets are filled with people who are definitely in festive mood, exotic cars, and canopies with music blaring underneath, it is always a rare display of opulence by the people of Ijebu. Several roads are blocked, the traffic is always heavily congested and exhilarated children gambol up and down the busy streets of Ijebu Ode. It is a sight tourists will never dare to miss.

The Regberegbes (age grades) also steal the show with their group attires and different individual style and combination as each group will always went to out-show the others. Each of the Regberegbes take turn to pay homage to the Awujale of Ijebu land who in return showers his royal blessings on them. There are over 30 Regberegbes (age grades) with an average of 60 members each in Ijebu Land. The age of an individual determines the age grade he/she will belong for instance, those born between 1932 and 1934 belong to the Egbe Mafowoku age grade. The current Awujale of Ijebu Land, Oba Sikiru Adetona belongs to the Egbe Mafowoku age grade. Other age grades in Ijebu land are Egbe Bobaniyi, Egbe Bobajolu, Egbe Gbobaniyi and so on. The outstanding age grade will be awarded N1M (one million naira and a trophy) by one of the sponsors of the festival, Globacom.