Ojude Oba 2026 to hold despite Awujale’s death as Ogun police deploy 2,500 officers for massive festival security
Gov. Dapo Abiodun at Ojude Oba
Preparations for the highly anticipated Ojude Oba 2026 Festival have intensified as organisers confirmed the annual cultural celebration will proceed despite the recent passing of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
The development comes as the Ogun State Police Command announced the deployment of more than 2,500 security personnel across Ijebu Ode and neighbouring communities to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free celebration.
Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s biggest and most colourful cultural festivals, Ojude Oba attracts thousands of tourists, dignitaries, business leaders, celebrities and cultural enthusiasts from within Nigeria and abroad every year.
This year’s edition carries added emotional significance as organisers say it will honour the legacy of the late monarch whose reign transformed the global image of the festival.
Organisers Say Festival Must Continue Despite Royal Transition
At a press briefing held at the Awujale’s Palace in Ijebu Ode, members of the organising committee dismissed speculation suggesting the festival might be suspended because of the monarch’s death.
Festival coordinator, Professor Fassy Yusuf, revealed that the late Awujale had expressly directed before his passing that the celebration should never be halted during any royal transition period.
According to him, the 2026 edition themed “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona” will serve both as a cultural celebration and a tribute to the monarch’s enduring influence on Ijebuland.
“The Ojude Oba Festival transcends individuals. It is deeply rooted in the identity, pride and unity of the Ijebu people,” Yusuf stated.
He warned that cancelling the event would negatively affect tourism, commerce, cultural preservation and the international recognition the festival has built over decades.
Ogun Police Deploy 2,500 Personnel For Festival Security
As anticipation builds, the Ogun State Police Command has rolled out extensive security measures ahead of the festival.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command confirmed that officers from tactical and conventional units have been strategically stationed across key locations.
The deployment includes personnel from the Police Mobile Force, SWAT team, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Violent Crime Response Unit, Force Intelligence Department and surveillance squads.
Security assets such as Armoured Personnel Carriers, patrol vehicles, motorcycles, undercover operatives and rapid-response teams have also been positioned around the Ojude Oba Pavilion, highways, hotels, markets, worship centres and recreational facilities.
According to the police, the operation is designed to guarantee crowd control, traffic management, intelligence gathering and quick responses to security threats before, during and after the celebration.
Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, reportedly directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to remain on maximum alert throughout the festivities.
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Ojude Oba Remains Symbol Of Unity And Cultural Pride
Originally rooted in Islamic celebrations after Eid-el-Kabir, Ojude Oba has evolved into a globally recognised cultural event celebrated by people of different religious and ethnic backgrounds.
The festival is particularly famous for its spectacular Regberegbe age-grade parades, colourful traditional attire and horse-riding displays performed by descendants of ancient Ijebu warrior families.
Organisers disclosed that at least 25 prominent warrior families are expected to participate in the equestrian procession during the 2026 edition.
Over the years, the event has grown into a major tourism and economic platform for Ogun State, boosting hospitality, transportation, fashion, entertainment and local commerce.
Top Dignitaries Expected At Ojude Oba 2026
Several high-profile guests are expected to attend the celebration this year.
According to organisers, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been invited as Special Guest of Honour, while Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, his wife Bamidele Abiodun and the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, are also expected.
Previous editions of the festival have hosted President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote.
With security tightened and preparations nearing completion, Ojude Oba 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most historic editions of the iconic cultural gathering.
FAQ
What is Ojude Oba Festival?
Ojude Oba is a major annual cultural festival celebrated by the Ijebu people of Ogun State, Nigeria, shortly after Eid-el-Kabir. The event showcases Yoruba heritage, unity, fashion, horse-riding displays and traditional performances.
When will Ojude Oba 2026 hold?
Ojude Oba 2026 is scheduled to hold on Friday in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, following the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
Will Ojude Oba 2026 hold despite the Awujale’s death?
Yes. Organisers confirmed that the festival will proceed as planned because the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, instructed that the event should never be suspended during any royal transition.
Why is Ojude Oba important?
Ojude Oba is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most important cultural festivals because it promotes unity, preserves Yoruba traditions and boosts tourism and economic activities in Ogun State.
How many security personnel were deployed for Ojude Oba 2026?
The Ogun State Police Command deployed over 2,500 personnel, including tactical squads, SWAT operatives, anti-kidnapping teams and intelligence officers.
Where is Ojude Oba celebrated?
The festival is celebrated in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria.
What happens during Ojude Oba Festival?
Activities include colourful Regberegbe parades, horse-riding processions, traditional music, cultural dances, fashion displays and social gatherings.
Who attends Ojude Oba Festival?
The festival attracts traditional rulers, politicians, celebrities, business leaders, tourists, cultural enthusiasts and thousands of residents from across Nigeria and abroad.
Who was Oba Sikiru Adetona?
Oba Sikiru Adetona was the Awujale of Ijebuland and one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarchs. He played a major role in modernising Ijebuland and promoting Ojude Oba globally.
Why is Ojude Oba attracting international attention?
Ojude Oba has become internationally recognised for its rich Yoruba culture, elaborate fashion, tourism potential and peaceful coexistence among different religious groups.