The 2025 Ojude Oba Festival, a cornerstone of Yoruba cultural heritage, unfolded with grandeur in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, on June 8, as Governor Dapo Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering citizens through cultural and economic initiatives.

Addressing thousands at the Awujale Pavilion, Abiodun hailed the festival as a beacon of unity and a catalyst for tourism, youth engagement, and entrepreneurship. The event, held under the patronage of the Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, drew dignitaries, including Ondo State’s deputy governor and former Ogun governors, alongside vibrant displays of Ijebu traditions, from horse-riding regberegbe groups to intricately dressed age grades.

Abiodun highlighted the festival’s evolution from a local Islamic celebration into a global spectacle, attracting tourists and fostering economic growth. He outlined plans to elevate Ojude Oba to UNESCO’s world cultural heritage list, with federal support, and emphasized its role in showcasing Ijebu’s hospitality and industry. The governor’s administration, he noted, is investing in infrastructure and skills training to harness the festival’s potential, creating opportunities for local artisans and vendors.

The event featured competitive highlights, with groups like Egbe Bobasete Okunrin Omooba winning top honours, supported by corporate sponsors like Globacom. Abiodun’s call for collective unity resonated with attendees, who celebrated Ijebu’s rich heritage while advocating for the creation of Ijebu State, a long-standing regional aspiration. The festival’s global broadcast underscored its cultural significance, reinforcing Ogun’s position as a hub of Yoruba pride.