World Watches as Ijebu Hosts Over 100m for Ojude Oba 2025

All roads lead to Ijebu-Ode today, June 8, as the globally renowned Ojude Oba Festival 2025 officially holds with an estimated global audience of over 100 million participants, both physical and virtual, expected to join in the colourful cultural celebration.

Speaking ahead of the festival, the Coordinator of the Ojude Oba Festival Committee, Dr. Fassy Yusuf, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the annual event, which holds three days after the Muslim Eid-El-Kabir celebration, remains a deeply rooted expression of Ijebu culture, tradition, and unity.

Dr. Yusuf described the festival — which is over 200 years old — as a “pillar of Ijebu identity” and a significant showcase of Yoruba heritage that continues to attract global attention. “This year’s edition will host an estimated 200,000 guests at the Utoro Centre and main pavilion alone,” he said. “Across Ijebu towns, we expect between 2 to 3 million attendees, and globally, millions more will watch via live streaming platforms.”

The high-profile event, held in honour of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, is expected to draw sons and daughters of Ijebuland from across the world, dignitaries, tourists, and culture enthusiasts, all eager to witness the regberegbe (age-grade) processions, glamorous fashion, and spectacular equestrian displays.

Yusuf assured participants of a safe and hitch-free festival, noting that security had been reinforced with operatives from the Nigeria Police, DSS, NSCDC, military, Amotekun Corps, and Vigilante Group of Nigeria.

He emphasized the importance of Ojude Oba as both a cultural and economic catalyst. “This celebration is not just about glamour. It strengthens our unity, promotes national pride, and contributes significantly to the local economy,” he said.

Yesterday’s Festivities:
The 2025 edition kicked off Friday evening with a grand pre-festival concert tagged “Evening with Glo,” organised by the event’s headline sponsor, Globacom, which is celebrating 20 years of consistent support for the Ojude Oba Festival.

The concert featured legendary Juju musician Evangelist Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi, Fuji icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1), and top comedians including Gbenga Adeyinka, Bash, and Kiekie. Held at the Ijebu-Ode Conference Hall, the hall was filled with nostalgic music, laughter, and dance, as Ijebus united to honour their king and their heritage.

Globacom expressed gratitude to the Ijebu people for their loyalty, stating, “We brought together the finest of Ijebuland to celebrate shared culture and enjoy rhythms that resonate through Yorubaland.”

Dignitaries at the concert included the Olori of the Awujale, Chief Mrs. Olukemi Adetona; Professor Fassy Yusuf, and Chief Mrs. Bisi Osibogun, the Iyalode of Ijebuland.