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BBC News
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Nigeria's Ojude Oba festival: Culture and colour come out in praise of a king
Thousands gathered on Sunday in an ancient town in south-west Nigeria for a spectacular display of culture, colour and Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu-Ode, brought together locals and visitors to pay homage to the Awujale - the traditional ruler of the Ijebu union of drummers, musicians and dancers coupled with a fashion parade told a tale of people deeply connected to their Oba - a Yoruba phrase meaning "the kings forecourt" - began over two centuries 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 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 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 reporting by Ayo Bello and Kyla Herrmannsen You may also be interested in: Nigeria's Egungun festival: Colour, culture and communityNigeria's spectacular horse parade closing RamadanNigerians take to the streets for Calabar Carnival Go to for more news from the African us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
BBC News
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Ojude Oba in fotos: How royalty, elegance and colour define di yearly festival
Di pipo of Ijebu for Ogun State, southwest Nigeria dey celebrate Ojude Oba Festival on Sunday 8 June. Dis annual festival na one of di kontri most important cultural and traditional events. Im origins date back to di 19th century wen Islam begin spread across Ijebuland. Bifor now, di festival na just gathering of Muslim faithful wey go come togeda to pay respects to di reigning Awujale, di traditional ruler of Ijebuland. Di name "Ojude Oba," wey mean "Di King Forecourt," reflect di early purpose of di festival. Over time, Ojude Oba move from small homage into grand festival wey don capture national and international attention. E don grow into cultural, social, and economic significance. Today, di festival dey take place for di Awujale Pavilion for Ijebu Ode under di leadership of Oba Sikiru Adetona, di current Awujale. Na on di third day afta Sallah, also known as Ileya, dem dey hold di event. For di festival, dem dey display ogbonge Yoruba fashion as participants dey dress in beautiful traditional fabrics such as Adire, Aso Oke, Agbada, and Iro and Buba. Di highlight of di festival na di parade of horse riders wey dey represent various Balogun families, including Balogun Adenuga, Balogun Alatise, Balogun Adesoye, Balogun Alausa, and Balogun Kuku. Dis horsemen dey display bravery and heritage as dem ride through di grounds. Alongside dem na di colourful 'Regbe Regbe' parade, wia age-grade groups from different families, mostly wit Ijebu roots, go march in coordinated traditional attire. Groups like Gbobaniyi, Bobagbimo, Gbobalaye, and Obafuwali go compete wit one anoda to showcase dia culture and style while dem honour di Awujale wit dances, prayers, and gifts.
