The Ojude Oba Festival : What to Know

The Ojude Oba festival, ("king's fore-court" in Yoruba) dating back to 1878,  is an annual festival held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. 

Held on the third day of the Islamic  holiday Ed-El-Kabir, it pays  homage to the ruler, the  Awujale of Ijebuland, celebrates the land's rich heritage and motivates development and progress in the land. It was first celebrated after Islam was introduced in the land and  early Muslim converts in Ijebu visited the Awujale after the Eid prayers to express their loyalty and gratitude.

 Despite its origins, people of diverse religions from different parts of the country (and other countries) come together to celebrate it today, amidst much pomp and pageantry. 

The festival consists of :

The royal  horse riding parade- led by the Awujale of Ijebuland & his Chiefs. 

Cultural displays, dances and competitions by the various  social clubs ("regberegbes" in Yoruba)

The fashion show where various glamourous traditional Yoruba outfits are paraded by the attendees.  

 The rich food display, where different traditional dishes are displayed and served, along with other food sold by the steet vendors present.