The 2025 edition of the Ojude Oba Festival delivered its signature vibrancy, glamour, and cultural pride, yet it left many yearning for improvements to match the festival’s growing global spotlight.
Held annually in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, three days after Eid al-Kabir (Ileya), the festival is a dazzling homage to the Awujale of Ijebuland, showcasing the deep-rooted traditions and pageantry of the Ijebu people, a Yoruba sub-ethnic group. Once a regional celebration, Ojude Oba has now grown into a national cultural event and is gaining international recognition—thanks in part to viral moments and personalities like Farooq Oreagba, whose 2024 and 2025 festival appearances captured global attention and turned him into a symbol of cultural pride and style.
But with fame comes responsibility—and challenges.
Overcrowding Highlights Urgent Need for a Bigger, Better Arena
This year’s crowd nearly doubled that of 2024, overwhelming the traditional venue. Aerial photos showed people and horses jam-packed into limited space, with photographers resorting to tight portrait shots due to a lack of room. The discomfort was palpable, and safety concerns lingered.
A solution? A purpose-built, mini-stadium-style venue—covered, air-conditioned, and equipped with modern facilities. The new arena should feature:
- A dedicated media/photo section for uninterrupted coverage
- Ample parking and logistics space
- High-quality aesthetic design to enhance the viewing experience
- Climate control systems to preserve attendees’ appearance and comfort
Such a venue would better reflect the festival’s stature and allow for a smoother, safer experience.
Safety and Security Must Match the Festival’s Scale
As attendance increases, so does the risk of petty theft and potential security threats. Reports from this year revealed that up to 40 phones were stolen, including two from a police officer.
A modern arena must include:
- CCTV coverage
- Metal detectors at entry points
- Professional security teams
- Medical emergency services like ambulances on standby
- Controlled access—perhaps via invitations or ticketing to limit overcrowding and fund maintenance
Security must evolve in tandem with the festival’s prominence.
A New Era for Media and Global Cultural Strategy
Currently, videos and photos from the Ojude Oba Festival trickle into public view days after the event. This delay undermines its global potential.
To remedy this, the organisers should implement:
- Live broadcasts on national TV, cable networks, and YouTube
- Official social media accounts for real-time updates and global interaction
- A media content team to manage branding, storytelling, and investor relations
This strategy will help expand the festival’s reach and potentially attract both local and international sponsorships and investors.
Building Global Partnerships for Cultural Diplomacy
The Ojude Oba Festival has the potential to become a global cultural ambassador for Nigeria. To achieve this, the organisers should establish connections with other major festivals, such as:
- Durban July (South Africa)
- Calabar Carnival (Nigeria)
- Rio Carnival (Brazil)
Mutual invitations, cultural exchanges, and cross-promotional efforts could create momentum for UNESCO recognition, elevate Nigeria’s international image, and open new economic opportunities for Ijebuland and Ogun State.
In Conclusion: The 2025 Ojude Oba Festival was a triumph of culture, colour, and identity. But to truly rise to the level of international celebration it deserves, it’s time to rethink the venue, safety protocols, media presence, and global partnerships. With thoughtful planning and bold investment, Ojude Oba can evolve from a regional treasure into a global cultural force.
