Inside Nigeria’s Most Glamorous Festival: Why Millions Are Flocking to Ojude Oba 2025

Ojude Oba Festival 2025 traditional fashion Regbe Regbe horse riders Ijebu

One of Nigeria’s grandest cultural spectacles, the Ojude Oba Festival, is set to return in full force this 2025, with organizers expecting a record-breaking attendance of over 100 million participants both in-person and online.

Held annually in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, three days after Eid-el-Kabir, the festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Ijebu people and honors the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona. Originally a small gathering of Muslim faithful, the event has evolved into a global attraction that showcases Yoruba traditions, fashion, music, and community pride.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, festival coordinator Fassy Yusuf revealed that this year’s edition will welcome millions through physical and digital attendance, including live streaming at the Utoro Centre.

The festival, whose name translates to “The King’s Forecourt,” traces its roots to the 19th century when early Muslim converts like Imam Tunwatoba paid homage to Oba Ademuyewo for granting them religious freedom. Over the years, Ojude Oba has become a vibrant expression of unity, drawing participants from various religions, backgrounds, and social classes.

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A major highlight of the festival is the Regbe Regbe parade—age-grade groups adorned in lavish traditional outfits such as Agbada, Iro and Buba, woven from rich Yoruba fabrics like Aso Oke, Sanyan, and Adire. These groups compete in dance, fashion, and performances in honor of the king.

Horse riders representing noble Balogun families also steal the spotlight, with stunning processions featuring Balogun Kuku, Balogun Odunuga, and more. In 2024, personalities like Farooq Oreagba, Managing Director of NG Clearing Limited, went viral for their breathtaking appearances.

Though the event was paused in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, it has regained momentum, boosting tourism, fashion, and social media engagement. Influencers, designers, musicians, and top brands including Globacom Nigeria have played vital roles in elevating the festival’s global profile.

Ojude Oba stands not just as a celebration of heritage, but as a powerful driver of tourism, culture, and economic activity in Ogun State.