Executive Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, who adorned himself in full traditional regalia, announced, he was “deeply honoured” to participate in the Ojúde Ọba Festival 2025.
Abiodun said, it is a thing of pride as sons and daughters of Ijebuland to partake in an event that is not just “merely ceremonial”, but, also “a respectful homage to our roots”.
The Governor defined Ojúde Ọba Festival as “a timeless celebration of our heritage, unity, and unwavering loyalty to the revered throne of the Awujale”, saying, it is an apparent proclamation of “our enduring commitment to the culture that defines us”.
Governor Abiodun said: “As proud sons and daughters of Ijebuland, we were deeply honoured to partake in this year’s Ojúde Ọba Festival—a timeless celebration of our heritage, unity, and unwavering loyalty to the revered throne of the Awujale. Our appearance was not merely ceremonial; it was a respectful homage to our roots and a visible affirmation of our enduring commitment to the culture that defines us.”
Abiodun was fully kitted in traditional regalia – a gracefully tailored agbada win fila to match, beautified by coral beads that displays “both our royal lineage and the dignity of our people”.
The attire was carefully selected, not for extravaganza, but, “to honour the sacredness of the occasion, our royal host, and the cherished values of the Ijebu people.”
The presence of the Governor was not for “showmanship”; it was a “declaration of identity”, as well as, “an expression of grace, tradition”.
Governor Abiodun said: “We adorned ourselves in full traditional regalia—elegantly tailored agbádá with a matching fila, complemented by coral beads that reflect both our royal lineage and the dignity of our people.
“Every element of our attire was thoughtfully chosen, not for spectacle, but to honour the sacredness of the occasion, our royal host, and the cherished values of the Ijebu people.
“Our presence was never about showmanship; it was a declaration of identity—an expression of grace, tradition, and responsible leadership.”
The Governor said, while standing before the Awujale, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, and the distinguished regberegbe groups, he felt the “heartbeat of a culture that unite generations”.
He assured, the safeguarding of this “vibrant heritage” will not stop.
Governor Abiodun said: “As we stood before the Awujale, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, and the distinguished regberegbe groups, we felt the heartbeat of a culture that continues to inspire and unite generations. We are truly grateful for the warmth and pride shown by our people.
“Together, we will continue to safeguard this vibrant heritage while building a prosperous and inclusive Ogun State that honours its past and embraces its future.”
Ojúde Ọba Festival
An ancient festival, celebrated by the Yoruba people of Ijebu-Ode, a major town in Ogun State in the Southwestern region of Nigeria.
This yearly festival normally happens the third day after Eid al-Kabir (Ileya), to pay homage and show respect to the Royal Majesty, the Awujale of Ijebuland.
It is regarded as one of the most spiritual and glamorous festivals celebrated in Ijebuland and largely in Ogun State as a whole.
During the course of the festivities, diverse cultural age groups known as regberegbe comprised of indigenes, their friends, and associates far and near display at the front courtyard of the Palace of the King on the third day of Eid al Kabir popularly referred to as “Ileya” in Yoruba language.
Ojúde Ọba means King’s Forecourt.
Photo: Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, adorned in traditional regalia for the Ojúde Ọba Festival 2025. X/@DapoAbiodunCON
