Ayo Marvel 
The Ojude Oba festival, a vibrant celebration in started in Ijebu-Ode and celebrated at all ijebu lands in Ogun State and outside, showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Ijebu people.
This annual event, held on the third day after Eid al-Kabir (Ileya), brings together people from diverse occupations, age groups, and backgrounds to pay homage to their monarch, the Awujale of Ijebuland and other traditional rulers respectively in there kingdom.
The festival’s history dates back to the late 19th century when Islam was introduced to Ijebu land.
According to oral accounts, a slave named ‘Ali, later known as Alli-Tubogun, began openly practicing Islam during the reign of Awujale Ademuyewo Afidipotemole in 1878.
The Awujale granted ‘Ali permission to practice his faith without fear of persecution, paving the way for the growth of Islam in the region.
The Ojude Oba festival originated as a gesture of appreciation from Muslim converts to the Awujale for allowing them to practice their faith.
The celebration gained momentum when the Balogun Elesin (war leaders) displayed their horsemanship skills, merging their festivities with the Muslim celebration.
Over time, the festival has evolved into a grand cultural event, attracting people from all over the world.
Ojude Oba showcases the wealth, enterprise, and resilience of the Ijebu people, promoting tourism, entertainment, and economic development.
The festival has become a rallying point for Ijebu indigenes in the diaspora, including Muslims, Christians, and traditionalists, to celebrate and discuss developmental programs for the town.
The Ijebu people proudly preserve their traditional religious beliefs, celebrating festivals like Agemo, Obinren-ojowu, Agbo, Ereng, Idemunu, Jigbo, Egun, Atete, Oro, and Ogbodu.
Other notable festivals include Agbe, Obelu, and Ideno, while riverine towns celebrate the Okosi festival (boat regatta).
The Ojude Oba festival is a testament to the Ijebu people’s rich cultural heritage and their ability to blend tradition with modernity.
As a celebration that has spanned over a century, it continues to draw tourists and promote economic development, showcasing the resilience and enterprise of the Ijebu people.
Photo credit of 2025 Ojude Oba by Bhenji Shot It.
Ademola Busayo 
Emmanuel Femi Adedayo