Winners emerge as Glo rewards standout participants at Ojude Oba 2026

By Folashade Olorunfemi –

Winners emerged across various categories at the Ojude Oba 2026 festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, on Friday as Nigerian telecommunications giant, Globacom, rewarded outstanding participants with cash prizes in celebration of the annual cultural event.

In the Regberegbe category, Egbe Bobakeye emerged winner in the male category, claiming N750,000, while Egbe Bobagunte Okunrin and Egbe Bobamayegun Okunrin came second and third, winning N600,000 and N500,000 respectively. In the female category, Egbe Arobayo Obinrin Precious secured first place, followed by Egbe Jagunmolu Obinrin Stainless and Egbe Bobamayegun Obinrin Aremo in second and third positions.

The Eleshin horse-riding contest saw the Balogun Kuku family emerge victorious with N750,000, while the Oreagba and Shoye families finished second and third, receiving N600,000 and N500,000 respectively.

The festival, renowned for its colourful display of Ijebu culture, featured pageantry, horse-riding contests and age-grade processions. Ojude Oba remains famous for its elaborate aso-oke attire and horse-riding displays, with the Regberegbe and Eleshin competitions among the major highlights showcasing elegance, discipline and cultural pride.

In a goodwill message, Globacom Chairman, Dr Mike Adenuga, described Ojude Oba as a powerful cultural institution capable of promoting unity, tourism, economic growth and social cohesion. He said the festival was “not a fading relic of history, but a living cultural force” that continues to promote peace, progress and prosperity.

Adenuga added that at a time when globalisation threatens indigenous identity, festivals such as Ojude Oba serve as reminders of the importance of preserving culture. He praised the event for bringing together people across religion, class and generations, describing it as “civilisation eloquently displayed”.

The 2026 edition also attracted celebrities including Taiwo Hassan, Ibrahim Chatta, Rotimi Salami, Eniola Badmus, Akin Faminu and Big Brother Naija star Imisioluwa Ayanwale, who dazzled attendees in colourful Yoruba regalia, adding glamour and prestige to the celebration.