Ojude Oba Festival – Ijebu Ode, Ogun State
The Ojude Oba Festival is one of Nigeria’s most colorful and prestigious cultural celebrations, held annually in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, usually on the third day after Eid al-Adha (Ileya). Meaning “the King’s Courtyard” in Yoruba, the festival is a grand homage to the Awujale of Ijebuland, celebrating Ijebu unity, heritage, and royalty.
What began over a century ago as a thanksgiving gathering of early Muslim converts has evolved into a vibrant cultural carnival that draws thousands of visitors from across Nigeria and beyond. The event features majestic parades of age-grade groups (Regberegbes) dressed in rich traditional attire, gallant horse riders, royal pageantry, drumming, and dance performances that showcase the pride and spirit of the Ijebu people.
Beyond the spectacle, Ojude Oba is also a platform for community bonding, tourism, and economic celebration, with fashion, music, and hospitality industries thriving around the event. Each year, it reaffirms Ijebu identity, honors tradition, and bridges generations under the timeless reverence of the Oba’s court.
Location: Ijebu Ode, Ogun State
Category: Cultural Festival / Heritage / Tourism Event
Best Time to Visit: During the Eid al-Adha celebrations (typically July–September)
