Organisers of the globally celebrated Ojude Oba Festival have dismissed speculations that this year’s edition may not hold following the transition of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, assuring the public that preparations are in top gear for the cultural fiesta.

Speaking during a world press conference in Ijebu-Ode, the coordinator of the festival, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, said the annual celebration remained a timeless cultural heritage that transcended individuals and would continue to unite the Ijebu people across religious and social lines.

According to him, the 2026 edition of the festival will hold as scheduled on Friday, May 29, 2026, two days after the Eid al-Adha celebration, with the theme: “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona”.

Prof. Yusuf explained that the theme was carefully chosen to honour the late monarch’s enduring contributions to culture, tradition and the international recognition of the festival during his reign.

He described the late Awujale as a visionary leader whose reign was marked by courage, transformational leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of Ijebuland.

The coordinator disclosed that about 90 Regberegbe age-grade groups and 25 warlord families were expected to participate in the colourful procession, cultural performances and equestrian displays that have become major highlights of the festival.

He further revealed that Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, is expected as the Special Guest of Honour, alongside the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and other prominent dignitaries from across the country.

To ensure a hitch-free celebration, security agencies including the Police, Army and the Federal Road Safety Corps have been mobilised to provide adequate security and traffic management throughout the festival period.

The organisers appealed to residents, participants and visitors to conduct themselves peacefully and orderly, noting that Ojude Oba has remained a symbol of unity, cultural pride and religious harmony among the Ijebu people.