Dapo Abiodun, Seyi Tinubu, Yayi grace 2026 Ojude Oba in grand style
The 2026 Ojude Oba Festival, held in the ancient town of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, was on Friday transformed into a vibrant centre of culture and celebration as dignitaries, celebrities, tourists and traditionalists gathered to celebrate culture and tradition.
The annual cultural event attracted thousands of attendees from across Nigeria and beyond, reaffirming its status as one of the country’s biggest traditional festivals. Among the prominent personalities at the event was Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, who joined other guests to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Ijebu people. Also present was the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, whose attendance highlighted the growing national and international recognition of the festival as a major tourism attraction.
The arrival of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, also generated excitement at the venue as many young attendees surged forward to catch a glimpse of him. Supporters and admirers cheered as he made his way through the festival grounds, adding to the lively atmosphere that characterised this year’s edition.
Another notable figure at the event was Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Ogun State. The senator arrived with a large crowd of supporters and acknowledged cheers from festivalgoers during the celebration.
However, it was businessman and socialite Farooq Oreagba, popularly called “Mr Steeze,” who once again captured public attention with his dramatic entrance on horseback. Oreagba, whose stylish appearance at previous editions made him a social media sensation, appeared in a flowing white agbada and a purple cap, drawing admiration from guests and online users alike.
Videos and photographs of Oreagba quickly flooded social media platforms as festivalgoers hailed his unique blend of tradition, fashion and charisma, with many describing him as one of the standout personalities of the 2026 festival, celebrating his return to the cultural gathering.
The event also featured colourful parades by various Regberegbe age-grade groups, who dazzled spectators in coordinated traditional attire, lace fabrics and elaborate aso-oke outfits. The famous Balogun horse-riding families equally thrilled guests with impressive equestrian displays symbolising courage, prestige and the rich martial history of Ijebuland.
This year’s Ojude Oba Festival carried added emotional significance as it was the first edition since the passing of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona. Despite the royal transition, the celebration proceeded in honour of the late monarch’s enduring legacy and his commitment to promoting Ijebu culture on the global stage.
