By Chidinma Chukwu
Ijebu-Ode is a historic Yoruba town in Ogun State, which was founded during the 16th century. It is approximately about 15 minutes away from Ijebu Igbo.
Where is Ijebu-Ode located?
Ijebu-Ode is located between Benin City and Shagamu, Southwest of Nigeria. It is considered to be the largest town where Ijebus live. It is also known for being the capital of Ijebuland.
A brief history of Ojude Oba
The Ojude Oba (meaning “the king’s forecourt” in Ijebu dialect) is one of the major festivals in Nigeria that started over a century ago. This festival always brings together all sons and daughters of Ijebuland in Nigeria and in the diaspora.
The event is usually held three days after the Eid al-Kabir (Sallah) celebration, and it attracts lots of tourists, who come from different parts of the country and abroad.
The event also gives non-indigines who are not from Ijebu Ode, the opportunity to gather for a carnival-like celebration of the traditional, cultural, spiritual accomplishments and other values of the Ijebu nation.
Ojude Oba Festival 2022
Although the festival was on hold for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s edition was a beautiful sight to behold as different side attractions were displayed.
Some of the eye-catching scenes were: displaying of horses dressed in complete attires, men walking on tall walking sticks like “dongoyaro”, and the horse riders were also properly dressed in their native attires to add more colour and razzmatazz to the event.
During the Festival, various age groups (popularly known as the Regbe-regbes), indigenes, their friends and associates from far and near – all throng the palace of the Awujale of Ijebuland to pay homage to the dynasty, amidst prayers and other fun-filled activities.
Different families set-up canopies and chairs to see the festival first-hand, as the horses and their riders pass their houses, displaying skills and dexterity to spice up the event.
A side attraction to this year’s festival was the presence of the host, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, popularly called “Eleyi”, who was in the company of his Lagos counterpart Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the guest of honour on the day.
Also, the popular Apala singer, Musiliu ‘Haruna’ Ishola, thrilled guests with other musicians who graced this year’s Ojude Oba festival, which held on the weekend of July 8-11.