Culture and colour come out in praise of a Nigerian king
The Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu-Ode, brought together locals and visitors to pay homage to the Awujale - the traditional ruler of the Ijebu people.
This union of drummers, musicians and dancers coupled with a fashion parade told a tale of people deeply connected to their roots.
Ojude Oba - a Yoruba phrase meaning "the kings forecourt" - began over two centuries ago.
Earmarked for the third day after Eid, this was originally a modest gathering of the Muslim faithful, thanking the king for allowing them to practise their religion freely.
But it has grown to symbolise pride, unity and identity among all the Ijebu people regardless of religion.
The women were elegantly turned-out in colourful traditional dresses, known here as iro and buba, along with the gele, or head wrap.
Their outfits were made from lace or aso-oke, a locally sourced fabric woven by the Yoruba people.
The sunglasses and hand fans meant to provide respite for the blistering sun were must-have accessories, complementing the looks.
Dressed in traditional Yoruba agbada, the men agree months ahead on what outfits, colour and accessories to use for the festival.
Each year, they tweak the style and colour and display. Accessories include matching caps, beads and shoes.
Regardless of social status, the people are classified into age groups known as regbe-regbe, with hundreds belonging to each one. They are aimed at fostering unity among the locals.
The horses were adorned in colourful ornaments of gold and silver. Their riders displayed their prowess and the strength of their horses circling the arena to thunderous applause from spectators.
Shots from locally made guns sent white smoke into the air, signalling the arrival of each of the traditional warrior family, known as Balogun or Eleshin.
They protected the Ijebu kingdom from external aggression at one time.
The flamboyant parade of culture provides an economic boost to the area as dress makers, weavers, shoe makers, jewellers and others are contracted to make the desired outfits and matching accessories.
Additional reporting by Ayo Bello and Kyla Herrmannsen
Nigeria's Egungun festival: Colour, culture and community
Nigeria's spectacular horse parade closing Ramadan
Nigerians take to the streets for Calabar Carnival
Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.
Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
Focus on Africa
This Is Africa
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
5 days ago
- Time Business News
Luxurious Chiffon Embroidered Suits
If elegance could be woven into fabric, it would look exactly like Modeserene's chiffon embroidered suits. Known for their timeless charm, exquisite craftsmanship, and unparalleled quality, Modeserene has become a go-to brand for women who want luxury without compromising on comfort. Modeserene was born out of a passion for blending tradition with modern fashion. The brand started with a mission to create clothing that celebrates femininity, grace, and sophistication. Today, Modeserene is synonymous with premium quality chiffon suits that are adored both locally and internationally. At Modeserene, elegance isn't just a style—it's a lifestyle. Their vision revolves around crafting outfits that not only enhance beauty but also tell a story of luxury, tradition, and cultural richness. Chiffon has always been the queen of fabrics in the world of luxury wear. Its sheer texture, flowy drape, and lightweight feel make it perfect for formal events, festive gatherings, and even semi-casual occasions. While many fabrics sacrifice comfort for style, chiffon offers both. Modeserene takes this a step further by using the highest quality chiffon that feels smooth on the skin and holds its structure beautifully. Hand embroidery is the heart of every Modeserene suit. Skilled artisans spend hours—sometimes days—perfecting every stitch to create intricate designs that stand out. Along with traditional work, Modeserene also incorporates modern embellishments like sequins, pearls, and fine thread work, ensuring each piece is both trendy and timeless. Soft pinks, powder blues, and mint greens dominate the pastel range, perfect for spring and summer events. For weddings and festive occasions, Modeserene offers deep reds, royal blues, and emerald greens adorned with shimmering embroidery. Some suits are part of an exclusive limited edition range, making them unique statement pieces for your wardrobe. Every Modeserene outfit starts with carefully chosen chiffon sourced from trusted suppliers. Then, expert tailors ensure every seam, pleat, and hem is perfectly executed. From floral vines to geometric artistry, each pattern is thoughtfully designed to complement the fabric's natural elegance. Pair your Modeserene suit with statement earrings, a matching clutch, and strappy heels for a complete luxe look. Whether it's a wedding reception, Eid gathering, or a high-end dinner party, Modeserene suits make you stand out effortlessly. Unlike mass-produced outfits, every Modeserene suit goes through a strict quality check to ensure perfection. The designs capture the soul of traditional embroidery while staying relevant to current fashion trends. Always opt for dry cleaning to maintain the fabric's delicate texture and embroidery details. Store in a breathable garment bag and avoid hanging for extended periods to prevent stretching. Many customers praise Modeserene for its luxurious feel, flattering cuts, and long-lasting quality. The suits not only look stunning in person but also photograph beautifully—perfect for social media-worthy moments. You can shop Modeserene's latest collections through their official website, flagship stores, and selected premium boutiques. They also offer worldwide shipping for international clients. Modeserene's luxurious chiffon embroidered suits are more than just outfits—they're a symbol of sophistication, artistry, and timeless fashion. With their commitment to quality and unique designs, Modeserene ensures every woman feels confident, beautiful, and effortlessly elegant. Q1: What makes Modeserene's chiffon embroidered suits unique? The combination of premium chiffon, intricate embroidery, and modern design sets them apart. Q2: Are these suits suitable for summer wear? Yes, chiffon's lightweight and breathable texture makes it perfect for warm weather. Q3: Can I customize my suit? Modeserene offers customization options on select designs—contact their customer service for details. Q4: How long does delivery take? Local deliveries take 3–5 days, while international orders can take 7–14 days. Q5: Do they offer matching accessories? Yes, some collections include matching dupattas, handbags, and jewelry recommendations. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Yahoo
US Grammy winner Ciara becomes citizen of Benin under new slavery-descendants law
US singer Ciara has become one of the first public figures to be granted citizenship of Benin, under a new law offering nationality to the descendants of slaves. In an Instagram post the Grammy award-winner said she was "honoured", adding "thank you Benin for opening your arms and your heart to me". The citizenship scheme is part of an initiative by the small West African country to build ties with the African diaspora and boost cultural tourism. Ciara, known for R&B and pop hits such as Goodies and 1,2 Step, officially became a citizen at a ceremony in the city of Cotonou. "This act, which is symbolic, humane and historic, is not merely an administrative gesture. It is a gesture of the soul, a return to one's roots, a hand extended to those whom history, in its brutality, had torn from this land," the government said in a statement on Monday, following the ceremony. By enacting the My Afro Origins Law last year, Benin joined countries like Ghana and Guinea-Bissau in offering citizenship to people with an African ancestor who was taken from their homeland as part of the transatlantic slave trade. Descendants can apply to become a citizen via a recently launched website. Just last week, Benin appointed renowned American filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, Tonya Lewis Lee, a seasoned producer and author, as its ambassadors for African-Americans in the US. Benin's coastline is part of what was once known as the Slave Coast - a major departure point for enslaved Africans shipped across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas. Between 1580 and 1727, the Kingdom of Whydah, a major slave-trading centre located on what is now Benin's coast, is estimated to have exported more than a million Africans to the US, the Caribbean and Brazil. You may also be interested in: Stevie on the Wonder of becoming a Ghanaian citizen The African American who moved to Ghana 'to escape US racism' Idris Elba given Sierra Leone citizenship on first visit Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts Africa Daily Focus on Africa Solve the daily Crossword
Buzz Feed
13-07-2025
- Buzz Feed
Damson Idris Flirting With Amelia Dimoldenberg Goes Viral
"Damn, son." While I wish I had come up with that ridiculous pun, the partial credit goes to Amelia Dimoldenberg on her first date with British actor Damson Idris. On July 11, Amelia met up with Damson for a date at a Slim Chickens in the UK, and the internet instantly fell in love with their chemistry. For the uninitiated, Amelia is a British media personality most well-known for her hilarious YouTube series Chicken Shop Date, where she takes celebrities like Addison Rae, Idris Elba, and Jonathan Bailey to a local chicken shop for an awkward, extremely flirty "date." It only made sense that it was Damson's time to join Amelia at the chicken shop with his career on the rise following the series finale of Snowfall, and his new movie alongside Brad Pitt. After Amelia began the date with her ridiculous pun, the pair exchanged flirty banter back and forth, before Damson complained that he was a bit warm. "It's hotter than Satan's toenails in here," he said. Amelia quickly teased him for wearing a leather jacket and leather pants to the date, saying, "Rule number one: 'Don't wear leather pants to a date." Damson coyly replied, "Or maybe you're the one making me hot." While Damson was quick, he was certainly no match for the awkwardly witty Amelia, who dropped another pun, asking, "Driving super fast, did you ever feel like a Damson in distress?" It was clear that Damson was about to be out-sassed. Nerves seemingly getting the best of him, Damson prematurely asked Amelia, "What would you rate this date out of ten?" "What would I rate this date out of ten?" she asked, causing Damson to nervously stumble, before adding, "We're still on it." Giving Damson no time to recover, Amelia said, "I heard you want six kids. Is that right?" to which he replied, "Yes." Amelia smiled and said, "You didn't want to check with me first?" And that took Damson over the edge, and he was overwhelmingly tickled. It was evident that Amelia and Damson had a playful chemistry, but nothing could've prepared anybody (especially Amelia) for what happened at the end of the date. When she asked, "Is there a character you'd love to play?" he didn't miss a beat and responded, "Your boyfriend." Then the 33-year-old actor grabbed Amelia's hand, looked her directly in the eye, and kissed it. She might've had the upper hand for most of the date, but Damson's kiss turned the tables. Fans were instantly enamoured by every cute, flirtatious moment, many considering that Amelia might have finally met her match. "Nothing i have to say about damson Idris is appropriate," one person wrote. "I can't stop watching this. the way he's leaned back and doesn't take his eyes off her. the finger twirl. the way he purses his lips in satisfaction when she follows direction. this man is a fucking demon whore fr," another said. Another person suggested Damson's undeniable charm is "diabolical behavior." "See how charming he is, the snake that convinced Eve to eat the forbidden fruit was probably a Yoruba man," another person wrote. One person wrote, "I love seeing the difference in male celebrity behavior before and after they get recognized as a heart throb." Several others couldn't help but keep their focus on Amelia, who might be the main reason these chicken shop dates are always such a steamy success. "I love that her job is to literally just flirt with celebrities on these interviews," one person said. Amelia's composure is top-notch because some folks "would've jumped across that table like a frog" when Damson kissed her hand. Others couldn't get over that Damson didn't break eye contact with her when he kissed her hand. Another person wrote, "Amelia is so good at what she does because every time she puts out a date the comments are like, 'they are such a good match! I've never seen her like this with anyone else!' like no baby it's just her. THIS, however." Finally, someone wrote, "There are men dropping left and rigth to make amelia fall in love with them and this is the first time I see her actually blushing." Watch the full episode here:
