On Tuesday, the Minister of Culture, Art, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa-Musawa, shared exciting news. He said the Federal Government is considering listing the annual Ojude Oba Festival of the Ijebu people in Ogun State as a festival supported by UNESCO.
Dr. Ben Ugo Anama, Director of Cultural Agencies and Heritage, who represented the minister, announced the 2024 Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu-Ode.
The minister stated that the festival aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This aims to boost revenue from tourism to over $100 billion by 2030.
She described the Ojude Oba Festival as a key event that promotes national unity. Also, it has the potential to diversify the economy from oil, generating more revenue through tourism.
According to her, “Following President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, our ministry will work with stakeholders to promote, preserve, and protect our rich cultural heritage. This is part of our vision, Destination 2030, which aims to harness the potential of arts, culture, and the creative economy to drive economic growth, targeting over $100 billion and an increase in GDP by 2030.”
The minister emphasised that the agenda reflects a strong commitment to diversify the economy away from dependence on oil revenue.
While celebrating the people of Ijebuland for the success of the Ojude Oba festival and its positive impact on Nigeria’s image, Barrister Musa-Musawa noted that the festival has not yet received UNESCO approval.
She believes the Ojude Oba Festival, given its significant impact on tourism, deserves international recognition. Furthermore, she pledged to take all necessary steps to get it listed by UNESCO without delay.
What is the Ojude Oba Festival?
Deep in southwestern Nigeria, the Yoruba people of Ijebu-Ode celebrate a time-honoured tradition called the Ojude Oba Festival. This “King’s Forecourt” festival is an annual event steeped in history.
The celebration falls on a specific date each year. It happens on the third day after another major holiday, Eid al-Kabir, also known as Sallah or Ileya. This positioning creates a powerful link between the Ojude Oba and a widely observed religious holiday.
The core purpose of the Ojude Oba Festival is to pay respect to a revered figure: the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona. It’s a day dedicated to honouring his majesty and showcasing the loyalty of the Ijebu people.
How is the festival celebrated?
The Ojude Oba Festival is a display of everything Ijebuland has to offer—its rich culture, traditions, and the talents of its people.
Different age groups within the Ijebu community, known as “Regberegbe,” take centre stage. These groups are not limited to just the indigenous people of Ijebuland. Friends and associates from near and far are also welcome to join the festivities. Each Regberegbe group gets to proudly showcase themselves in the king’s court, parading in front of the palace.
The highlight for each Regberegbe group is receiving a special blessing from the king himself, the Awujale of Ijebuland. It’s a moment of deep respect and signifies the king’s recognition of their contribution to the community.
Also, horse riding is a major feature of the Ojude Oba Festival. Riders dressed in their finest attire add a touch of majesty and pageantry to the celebration.
The festival is a visual treat, with people adorned in gorgeous Yoruba attire. Expect to see a dazzling display of colours, fabrics, and traditional accessories. It’s a celebration of artistic expression and cultural pride.
Ojude Oba 2024
Following tradition, the 2024 Ojude Oba festival was held on Tuesday, June 18th, at the Awujale’s pavilion in Ijebu-Ode. This is how it has been for years. But this year’s celebration embraced the theme “Ojude Oba: Unity and Harmony, Our Gift.”
Indeed, the festival was a dazzling display of fashion, culture, and beauty. People of all ages came out in their finest attire, adding to the glitz and glamour of the event.
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