The annual Ojude Oba festival, a vibrant showcase of Ijebu culture and tradition, took place on Sunday in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, but with a notable absence. Awujale Oba Sikiru Adetona, the paramount ruler of Ijebu land, was conspicuously missing from his customary position of honor, where he typically receives homage from thousands of attendees. This marked a significant departure from the decades-long tradition of the Awujale presiding over the festivities, raising concerns and sparking speculation about the reasons behind his absence.
While no official statement has been released by the palace or the festival organizers, sources close to the situation attribute the Awujale’s absence to his advanced age. At 91 years old, the monarch’s ability to participate in the demanding rituals and ceremonies of the festival is understandably limited. This explanation aligns with the natural course of aging and the physical limitations that can accompany it. However, the lack of official confirmation has fueled further speculation and heightened anxieties regarding the Awujale’s overall health and well-being.
Adding to the ambiguity surrounding the Awujale’s absence, a senior state government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, corroborated the age-related explanation. The official emphasized that the monarch’s absence was solely due to his advanced years and that there were no underlying health concerns. This reassurance, while seemingly intended to allay public worries, did little to quell the growing unease, particularly in the absence of a direct statement from the palace or the Awujale’s representatives. The lack of transparency and official communication only served to amplify rumors and speculation surrounding the monarch’s health status.
The absence of the Awujale, a central figure in the Ojude Oba festival, undoubtedly cast a shadow over the celebrations. The festival, traditionally held three days after Eid-el-Kabir, serves as a vibrant display of Ijebu heritage, with attendees adorned in elaborate attire, paying homage to the Awujale, and participating in cultural displays such as horse riding. The Awujale’s presence is integral to the symbolic significance of the event, representing the continuity of tradition and the unifying force of the monarchy within the Ijebu community. His absence, therefore, created a void that was keenly felt by attendees and observers alike.
In an attempt to maintain a semblance of continuity and tradition, Olori Kemi Adetona, the Awujale’s wife, represented him at the festival. While her presence offered a symbolic link to the monarchy, it could not fully replicate the weight and significance of the Awujale’s customary participation. The visual absence of the revered monarch, a figure deeply respected and admired within the community, served as a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the inevitable transitions that occur within traditional leadership structures.
Further compounding the information void surrounding the Awujale’s absence, attempts to reach Fassy Yusuf, the coordinator of the 2025 Ojude Oba festival, were unsuccessful. Calls to his phone went unanswered and text messages remained unreturned. This lack of responsiveness from the festival organizers further contributed to the growing uncertainty and speculation, leaving the public and media with unanswered questions and a sense of unease about the situation surrounding the Awujale’s absence from such a significant cultural event. The absence of official communication from those directly involved in the organization of the festival fueled further speculation and highlighted the need for greater transparency in addressing public concerns regarding the well-being of the revered monarch.
