Organising Committee of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival has dismissed rumours that the annual socio-cultural celebration may be suspended following the death of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
Gatekeepers News reports that the committee made the clarification during a press briefing held at the palace in Ijebu Ode ahead of the 2026 edition of the festival themed, “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona.”
Speaking at the event, the festival coordinator, Professor Fassy Yusuf, said the committee deemed it necessary to address speculations suggesting the festival could be halted after the monarch’s passing.
According to Yusuf, the late Awujale had expressly warned against suspending the celebration during any interregnum.
“The 2026 edition of Ojude Oba Festival is not only a celebration of culture and heritage, but also a solemn tribute to the longest reigning monarch in the history of Ijebuland — a revered royal icon whose legacies remain indelible,” he said.
He also dismissed narratives suggesting “No Awujale, No Ojude Oba,” insisting that the cultural festival goes beyond any individual.
“The Ojude Oba Festival transcends individuals. It is deeply rooted in the identity, pride, and unity of the Ijebu people,” Yusuf stated.
He noted that cancelling the festival because of the monarch’s death would negatively affect cultural preservation, tourism, commerce, and the international reputation of Ijebuland.
“It is with great pride and confidence that we announce to the world that the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival shall hold with all its grandeur and splendour by the grace of Almighty God,” he added.
Yusuf described the late Oba Adetona as a visionary monarch whose 65-year reign brought major social, cultural, and economic development to Ijebuland.
He explained that although the festival began as an Islamic gathering, it has evolved into a major cultural celebration embraced by people of different religious and cultural backgrounds across Nigeria and beyond.
The committee said the grand finale, traditionally held on the third day after Eid-el-Kabir, now attracts millions of visitors from across the country and the diaspora.
Among the major highlights expected at the 2026 edition are colourful outings by Regberegbe age-grade groups and the famous horse-riding procession involving descendants of ancient Ijebu warlords. The organisers disclosed that over 25 distinguished warrior families are expected to participate in the equestrian parade.
The committee also revealed that Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been invited as the Special Guest of Honour, alongside Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, his wife Bamidele Abiodun, and the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa.
