For the first time in more than 60 years, the Ijebu iconic traditional festival, Ijude Oba, will be celebrated with a substantive king, the Awujale. This is as a result of the demise of the last Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, on July 13, 2025 at the age of 91.

The late Awujale became king at the age of 26 in 1960 and ruled over Ijebu kingdom for more than 60 years. Within these years, he transformed and elevated the Ojude Oba to become one of the most colourful cultural spectacle in Africa. Many had thought the festival might not hold this year with his demise since the concept of Ojude Oba which is tied to paying homage to the reigning king, takes place on the third day after the Muslims’ Eid el Mubarak celebration.

However, during a press conference in Ijebu-Ode, the Coordinator of the Ojude Oba Festival Organising Committee, Chief Fassy Adetokunboh Yusuf, insisted the festival will hold. He condemned the postion of some people that “No Awujale, No Ojude Oba.”

According to him, “The Ojude Oba Festival transcends personalities; it is a timeless cultural heritage deeply rooted in the identity, pride and unity of the Ijebu nation.

“Our highly respected late Kabiyesi made it abundantly clear that Ojude Oba must never be suspended on account of his passing or during any interregnum. According to his noble conviction, the festival remains a sacred cultural institution that must continue to flourish for generations to come.”

He noted that suspending the festival because of the royal transition would amount to an immeasurable loss to the cultural heritage, economy, tourism potential and global reputation of Ijebuland.

The committee consequently affirmed that the 2026 edition of the festival would hold.