The 2025 Ojude Oba Festival, a vibrant cultural celebration in Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria, is set to become a platform for advocating the creation of Ijebu State. This long-standing aspiration of the Ijebu people will take center stage during the festival, with organizers aiming to amplify the call for a separate state with Ijebu-Ode as its capital. Chief Olu Okuboyejo, Chairman of the Ojude Oba Festival Organizing Committee, emphasized the historical significance of Ijebu as the only remaining province yet to be granted statehood. He highlighted the region’s strategic location, substantial land mass, sizable population, accessibility, peaceful environment, renowned hospitality, and rich cultural heritage as compelling reasons for its elevation to state status. The festival provides an opportune moment to galvanize support and push for the realization of this long-pursued goal.
The demand for Ijebu State has gained considerable momentum, reaching a crescendo that necessitates collective action. The festival’s organizers intend to leverage the event’s substantial reach, attracting an estimated two million attendees and reaching a global audience of approximately 200 million through live streaming, to broadcast their appeal for state creation. Various cultural groups, including the Regberegbe, Baloguns, Eleshins, Egbe Olojas, and other traditional institutions, will unite their voices during the festival to champion the cause. This unified expression of the Ijebu people’s desire for their own state is intended to resonate with decision-makers and expedite the legislative process that is nearing its culmination.
The 2025 Ojude Oba Festival is themed “Ojude Oba: Celebrating Our Roots, Preserving Our Future,” reflecting the Ijebu people’s deep connection to their cultural heritage. This theme encapsulates the festival’s essence as a celebration of tradition and a commitment to safeguarding it for future generations. The festival’s historical roots lie in the introduction of Islam to Ijebu land. The reigning monarch at the time demonstrated remarkable tolerance by allowing the peaceful practice of the new religion. As a gesture of gratitude, Muslims began paying homage to the monarch on the third day after Eid-el-Kabir, a tradition that evolved into the grand celebration now known as the Ojude Oba Festival.
Over the years, the festival has transcended its origins as a local tradition to become a nationally and internationally recognized event. It is embraced by Ijebus both at home and in the diaspora, drawing millions of participants and spectators from within Nigeria and beyond. The Ojude Oba Festival has become a symbol of religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and communal harmony, showcasing the Ijebu nation’s commitment to these values. This rich history and the festival’s inclusive nature contribute significantly to its cultural significance.
The 2025 edition of the festival is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, June 8, 2025, pending the sighting of the moon, and promises to be a memorable event. Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu land, will unveil a distinguished individual as the special guest of honor, adding prestige to the occasion. Notable dignitaries expected to grace the festival include Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and his wife, Bamidele Abiodun, as well as Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy. Their presence further underscores the festival’s importance and its recognition at the highest levels of government.
The festival has garnered significant support from government officials, with Mr. Sesan Fagbayi, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, praising its role in promoting unity and harmony. The Ogun State government has expressed its commitment to ensuring the success of the 2025 edition, promising a memorable experience for all involved. The convergence of culture, tradition, and political advocacy at the 2025 Ojude Oba Festival creates a unique opportunity to advance the cause of Ijebu State creation while celebrating the rich heritage of the Ijebu people. This combination of cultural celebration and political action makes the festival a pivotal moment in the ongoing pursuit of statehood for the Ijebu region.
