Every year, when the drums roll and horses thunder through Ijebu-Ode, the Ojude Oba Festival reminds us that culture isn’t a museum piece—it’s alive. It moves, dazzles, and speaks in colour, pride, and spectacle. It’s where the Ijebu gather in their thousands to salute the throne and display a heritage stitched in regal fabrics, choreography, and pageantry. Long a symbol of loyalty, Ojude Oba has, in recent years, grown into something bigger: a global stage where tradition shakes hands with fashion, identity, and cultural diplomacy.
Beyond the grandeur, individuals give the festival its pulse: the riders, the regberegbes, the fashion custodians, and the voices shaping how the world reads this tradition. This Week, Azuka Ogujiuba sat with six figures who personify that evolution—Adesile Ajigboteso, Yusuf Ayokunle Dongo, Folarin Kuku, Omoba Adeboye Kasali, Faruq Oreagba, and Adedoyin Alatishe. Together, they trace the living archive that Ojude Oba has become—memory in motion, style with spine, heritage that refuses to sit still.
Adedoyin Badewa Alatishe
Ojude Oba is a proud symbol of Ijebu heritage. What does the festival mean to you personally as a custodian of culture and tradition?
For me, Ojude Oba is deeply personal. It’s about carrying forward the legacy of my grandfather, Balogun Alatishe, a man whose life embodied loyalty, honour, and service to the Ijebu people. His footsteps remind me that tradition is not just something we inherit, it’s something we must live and protect. As a custodian of culture, I see Ojude Oba as both a celebration and a responsibility. It’s where we reconnect with our roots, reinforce our bonds, and recommit to preserving the heritage that defines us. The gathering of Balogun and Eleshin families, the Regberegbe, the homage to the Awujale, and the unity across faith and generations all reflect the depth of who we are. Ojude Oba reminds us we are part of a larger story, one that began long before us and must continue long after. It is that bridge between past and the future.
What values or customs rooted in Ojude Oba do you believe should be preserved at all costs, and why?
One of the most important values is the inclusive spirit of Ojude Oba. The festival brings together Muslims, Christians, traditionalists, and people from all walks of life. That harmony is rare and powerful. The Regberegbe system also must endure. It instils discipline, responsibility, and cohesion in an increasingly individualistic world. Respect for tradition and leadership is equally vital. Paying homage to the Awujale is more than a ceremony; it symbolises unity, continuity, and communal identity. Finally, the celebration of identity through fashion, music, and storytelling must never be lost. These cultural expressions carry our history in ways no textbook can.
One of the most iconic sights at Ojude Oba is the majestic entrance of the horse-riding families. What is the cultural and historical significance of this tradition within the Ijebu community, and what role do these families play in preserving the spirit of the festival?
The horse-riding families are not just performers; they are custodians of legacy. Historically, the Balogun families were military leaders, defenders of the Ijebu kingdom. The horses, regalia, and procession symbolise courage, strength, and service to the throne. Balogun Otubu, for example, led Ijebu troops in the Battle of Imagbon and the 1892 Ijebu Expedition. Their appearance today is a vivid reminder of our warrior past and loyalty to the Awujale. Their role has evolved from warriors to cultural torchbearers. Each time they ride out in full display, they tell a story of honour, pride, and unity. By passing these traditions down through generations, they preserve the dignity and grandeur of Ojude Oba, serving as living links between yesterday and tomorrow.
In your opinion, how can festivals like Ojude Oba be used to promote not just tourism, but also pride in local heritage across Nigeria and beyond?
Festivals like Ojude Oba are powerful platforms for tourism, cultural diplomacy, and national identity. They give us the chance to tell our own stories through art, fashion, music, and community. To promote pride in heritage, festivals must be packaged as living archives, where history comes alive, where young people see themselves in legacy, and where Nigerians at home and abroad reconnect with their roots. Ojude Oba is more than a local event; it’s a showcase of Ijebu excellence. With the right support, it can become a cultural export through documentation, digital storytelling, exhibitions, and partnerships with tourism boards and embassies. For me, storytelling is key. Ijebu history holds incredible stories of resilience, leadership, and innovation, yet many never hear them. I carry Ijebu with me everywhere I go, not out of bias, but gratitude. Once you know your story, no one can take it from you. We must encourage a generation proud of where they come from, because pride sustains culture beyond the festival grounds.
How would you describe the late Awujale Oba Sikiru Adetona’s vision and personal impact on the evolution of the Ojude Oba Festival as a symbol of unity and pride among the Ijebu people?
The late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, may the peace and blessings of Allah be with him, played a transformative role in elevating Ojude Oba. His vision was anchored in three profound ideals. He expanded the festival beyond religious roots, promoting inclusion of all Ijebu sub-groups, making it a unifying celebration. He revitalised the Regberegbe system and promoted Ijebu pride, turning Ojude Oba into a national and international showcase of heritage. He made the festival a platform for dialogue, empowerment, and investment, attracting leaders and global interest. His leadership gave Ojude Oba the structure, prestige, and relevance it enjoys today.
Farouq Oreagba
The Ojude Oba Festival is more than a spectacle; it’s a reflection of Ijebu pride and tradition. In your view, what does this festival say about the values, resilience, and unity of the Ijebu people?
More than anything, it showcases our pride in our culture, our heritage, our industriousness, and our unity as Ijebu people. It takes a lot for each regberegbe and family to prepare for Ojude Oba, and they do it with pride. This is who we are as Ijebu people. The horse-riding families are one of the most striking symbols of the festival.
Can you speak to the origin and historical significance of their role, and how it connects to chieftaincy, royalty, and honour in Ijebu land?
The origins of the Ojude Oba festival are well known. It started as a symbol of gratitude by Balogun Kuku and other Muslims to the Awujale at the time. They came in their finest outfits and all the trappings of wealth at the time. This also aligned with the position of Balogun Kuku as a warrior. Horse riding families are not that many in Ijebu, and each one carries the pride of the Ijebu people on their shoulders during the festival, along the same path trodden by Balogun Kuku. It is an honour not bestowed on many, and it is a time when we shed our royal and chieftaincy yards and become horsemen. As you saw this year, we even had people travelling from far and wide just to be a part of it. It is the pride of Ijebus.
Age-grade groups, known as regberegbe, play a central role in organising and showcasing at Ojude Oba. How have these groups helped sustain cultural identity and social cohesion across generations in Ijebu society?
The regberegbe age groups are not unique to Ijebus alone, but we are definitely the most colourful. It is a common thread that brings sons and daughters of Ijebu together and, most importantly, brings them home to their roots. For me, they play a major role in preserving our culture and passing it from one generation to another, whilst cutting across social classes.
In a time where many traditional festivals are losing cultural depth to commercialisation, how has Ojude Oba maintained its dignity and relevance while embracing modernity?
Ojude Oba does need some modernising, as we saw in June, but custodians of our culture and the event itself have ensured we retain the essence of the festival itself. The level of commercialisation we are witnessing is unprecedented but within strict boundaries. We cannot lose the essence of the festival itself. The participants are only from Ijebu, and despite attempts to change it, the organisers have not budged and have stuck to the cultural essence that we are trying to showcase. That is one of the reasons that the event hasn’t moved to a bigger venue, although we can expect some changes at the 2026 event. Hopefully, the organisers will adopt a route format whereby the riders follow a specified route, thus allowing attendees to line the route instead of all heading to the pavilion. This will help address some of the crowd safety concerns. Thus, with some creativity, we can modernise but retain the ethos of the festival itself.
For someone witnessing Ojude Oba for the first time, the display of pageantry, equestrian pride, and communal joy can be overwhelming. What, in your opinion, is the heart of the festival, and what lesson does it offer to other cultures in Nigeria and beyond?
The Ijebu pride is at the core of the festival. We are very proud people and are not scared to show it. This festival has been going for over 100 years, without the global interest which has only emerged in the past 2 years. There is still a lot to be done by the organisers, but we have already shown the potential for revenue generation, and this should be a pointer for other festivals. Culture and tradition have become a currency that dovetails into tourism potential. This is the time to embrace our culture and turn our country into a global tourist destination.
Folarin Kuku
Ojude Oba is one of Nigeria’s most revered cultural festivals. What do you believe is its deeper purpose today?
Culture binds society across communities, religions, and generations. In divisive times, it gives unity and resilience. Its openness to others is its most powerful aspect.
What sets Ojude Oba apart, and what lessons can other communities learn?
Its success lies in moving with the times while staying rooted in history. Each generation leaves its mark, but always grounded in authenticity. That authenticity makes people embrace it.
Your family has maintained a ceremonial presence at Ojude Oba. How do you see this legacy evolving?
It depends on both older and younger generations. We’re fortunate to be taught our history early, and elders give us space to add our own mark. Inclusivity keeps the tradition alive.
Why is it important for Nigerians at home and abroad to stay connected to cultural festivals?
If we don’t know where we’re from, we can’t know where we’re going. Culture grounds us amid global changes. Festivals like Ojude Oba are more than events; they’re celebrations of unity and shared identity.
From your experience as a military officer and cultural ambassador, how can leadership and cultural pride build stronger communities?
The army taught me the value of unified purpose. In Ojude Oba, families and groups collaborate, sharing strengths instead of undermining one another. Inclusion ensures everyone feels part of a collective destiny. Applied to civilian life, this spirit could transform society.
How would you describe the late Awujale’s vision and impact?
Oba Adetona’s reign brought strategic brilliance. He modernised while preserving tradition, encouraged inclusivity, and elevated Ojude Oba to global prominence. Under him, rivalries gave way to unity, ensuring the festival is welcoming to all. His legacy now calls us to honour, sustain, and expand this cultural jewel for future generations.
Omoba Adeboye Kasali
Coming from the Fidipote Ruling House and as son of the Moyegeso of Itele, how has your upbringing shaped your understanding of duty and pride?
Being born into royalty instilled values, customs, and responsibilities from childhood. It shaped my cultural views and sense of duty as an Ijebu prince.
As the youngest Mogaji of your lineage, how do you balance preserving legacy with reaching modern audiences?
It’s both a privilege and a challenge. As Mogaji, I must uphold family values while engaging younger generations, ensuring they participate in cultural traditions.
What role do royal families play in maintaining Ojude Oba’s authenticity?
Royal families remind the people that Ojude Oba is rooted in loyalty and unity. Our presence symbolises continuity and reinforces cultural identity.
As a prince, what does the horse-riding tradition mean to you?
It evokes pride, responsibility, and ancestral connection. Each ride is a declaration: “We remember who we are.” Every hoofbeat is a drumbeat of legacy.
How do you balance your role in government with cultural responsibilities?
It requires diplomacy and intentionality. I serve both government and culture with the same mission: elevating and unifying the Ijebu people.
How would you describe the late Awujale’s impact?
Oba Adetona transformed Ojude Oba into a grand celebration of unity and identity. He championed inclusivity, transcending religious and social divides. His vision was strategic. He cemented Ijebu identity and used culture as a tool for solidarity and progress.
Princess Adesile Ajigboteso
Your historic horseback debut at Ojude Oba in 2024 reshaped the visual language of the festival. What did that moment mean to you personally, and what do you believe it unlocked for women in cultural spaces across Nigeria?
2024 wasn’t my riding debut. I had been riding for years, but that was the year the spotlight found me. When I rode, it sparked questions: “Can women really ride at Ojude Oba? If yes, why haven’t we seen them?” It made people reflect on women who had ridden before but were never celebrated like the men. That moment opened a door for women to be visible and recognised as cultural custodians in a space tied to power, pride, and heritage. Seeing more women and girls ride proudly in 2025 felt like history being rewritten in real time. For me, courage isn’t just about claiming your own space; it’s about creating room for others, too.
As a royal and cultural influencer, you’ve helped redefine what modern tradition looks like. How do you strike a balance between honouring the past and pushing for more inclusive, progressive representations at festivals like Ojude Oba?
Tradition must evolve to stay alive. For me, honouring the past means respecting the values of loyalty, community, heritage, and honour, while also asking who has been left out of the story. This is why I founded the Ijebu Equestrian Queens (IEQ): to turn visibility into legacy. It honours the women who rode before us and ensures our daughters see themselves in the story. I also weave fashion into culture, as both a celebration of roots and an invitation for the next generation. The goal is not erasure, but evolution.
The rise of the Ijebu Equestrian Queens speaks to your ripple effect within the community. How do you see this movement growing, and what legacy do you hope it leaves for younger Ijebu girls?
IEQ was born after my 2024 horseback image went viral. So many women asked, “Can we ride too?” 2025 became our collective answer. More women mounted their horses, proving that once a door is opened, you hold it wide for others. IEQ is about more than riding. It’s about rewriting cultural representation for Ijebu women. My hope is that one day, horseback riding at Ojude Oba is as celebrated for our daughters as it has long been for our sons. I want every girl to see a horse and see herself: strong, beautiful, rooted, and bold enough to shape the future.
Your work across fashion, design, and food spans Nigeria and Mexico. How has your exposure to global cultures deepened your appreciation for the storytelling power of festivals like Ojude Oba?
Living between Nigeria and Mexico has made me protective of our stories. I’ve seen how other cultures fight to preserve theirs through food, art, and festivals. It taught me that when we tell our story well, it resonates beyond Ijebu Ode, Lagos, or Nigeria. Ojude Oba is our story told in colour, sound, horses, regalia, and community. It proves that culture is our soft power, connecting us to the world while grounding us at home.
With your growing international presence, what message do you hope global audiences take away from witnessing Ojude Oba, and how does your personal brand help translate that tradition to the world?
I want the world to see Ojude Oba as a living, evolving tradition, not a relic. Africa’s heritage is powerful and modern. Through my platform as Princess Adesile, I show that culture can be regal yet inclusive. When people watch us ride, I hope they feel inspired to honour their roots no matter where life takes them. Our roots are our wings.
How would you describe the late Awujale Oba Sikiru Adetona’s vision and personal impact on the evolution of the Ojude Oba Festival as a symbol of unity and pride among the Ijebu people?
Kabiyesi, Awujale Sikiru Kayode Adetona, was more than our king. He was a father to a nation and like a grandfather to me. His reign was a masterclass in dignified leadership. He elevated Ojude Oba from a community celebration into a global stage where Ijebu pride and unity shine. He didn’t just preserve tradition; he ensured every generation could find its place within it. His legacy will live on in every proud Omo Ijebu.
Yusuf Ayokunle Dongo
Your family, the Shote Towobola lineage, holds a historic place among the esteemed horse-riding families in Ijebu-Ode, central to the grandeur of Ojude Oba. What does this heritage mean to you personally, and how has it influenced your sense of identity, both as an artist and as a custodian of tradition?
It is a profound honour to be a great-great-grandchild of Pa Asani Shote, one of Ijebuland’s revered warriors. This heritage is more than history—it is a living legacy binding the Shote Towobola family with pride and unity.
As an artist, this inheritance shapes my creative expression. My work reflects Yoruba culture and tradition; even without my signature, it speaks of my roots. Art is a way to preserve and communicate heritage, and my pieces honour where I come from.
As an artist deeply rooted in Ijebu heritage yet working in global spaces, how does the essence of festivals like Ojude Oba influence your creative expression?
Ojude Oba shapes my creativity by allowing me to reinterpret heritage in a contemporary context. One such expression is my project ÌTA ỌBA (The King’s Forecourt), inspired by Ijebu history and identity. It pays tribute to the Balogun warriors and honours His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona, whose vision elevated Ojude Oba into a global celebration.
Witnessing its scale inspired me to create a 12-foot monumental sculpture that preserves heritage while affirming my place as an African rooted in history and pride.
The Ijebu culture is rich in visual symbolism from regalia to horsemen and regberegbe age groups. How do these elements inspire your sculptural work?
The horse, a symbol of royalty, strength, and valour, is central to my art. It represents the Ijebu warriors who rode in homage to the Awujale. In my ÌTA ỌBA I series, colourful boxes symbolised the regberegbe groups, reflecting their energy and unity. In ÌTA ỌBA II, vivid colours on sculpted horses captured the flamboyance of Ojude Oba. Through such works, I translate tradition into timeless forms.
You’re known for turning discarded materials into objects of value. How does this reflect Ijebu resilience?
By turning trash into treasure, I challenge how we define value in both material and cultural value. Colonial narratives dismissed our traditions, but like scrap metal, our culture never lost worth; it only needed reimagining. ÌTA ỌBA embodies resilience, creativity, and dignity. It reminds us that brokenness can give rise to something powerful, affirming that our heritage thrives with relevance today.
Now based in the UK, how do you stay connected to your roots in Ijebu-Ode, particularly during Ojude Oba?
Living abroad has its challenges, but I remain connected through community networks in the UK and by returning home yearly for Ojude Oba. I plan to increase visits, rebuild my studio in Ijebu-Ode, and establish a horse stable. These steps will root me closer and inspire younger generations to appreciate our culture.
As someone who bridges tradition and innovation, what role do contemporary creatives play in preserving festivals like Ojude Oba?
Contemporary creatives reinterpret traditions in ways that resonate with younger audiences, ensuring relevance globally. What we create today becomes the foundation for future generations. Art bridges past and future, allowing festivals like Ojude Oba to thrive endlessly.
How would you describe the late Awujale Oba Sikiru Adetona’s impact on Ojude Oba?
Oba Adetona was more than a king; he was a visionary. His reign elevated Ojude Oba into a global celebration while preserving cultural identity. He embodied wisdom, progress, and unity. His legacy remains a guiding light.
Photos by Eniola Jordan @rocimagesstudio
