Ojude Oba Shines as Glo Rewards Ijebu Heroes with Cars, Tricycles, Others
The 2025 edition of the iconic Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, ended with grandeur on Sunday, drawing a multitude of cultural enthusiasts, tourists, and dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.
The vibrant event was graced by the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who praised the organisers and major sponsor, Globacom, for elevating the festival into a globally celebrated tourism spectacle.
The ceremony, which witnessed an impressive turnout, further affirmed Ojude Oba’s status as a premier cultural event in Nigeria.
Globacom, the festival’s primary sponsor for the past two decades, brought added excitement to the day by presenting brand-new cars, tricycles, and other prizes to lucky winners as part of its special anniversary consumer promotion tailored exclusively for the people of Ijebuland.
Among the high points of the event was the emotional moment involving Mr. Opeoluwa Osisanwo, Secretary of the Ojude Oba Festival Planning Committee, who won a car for his exceptional leadership and service to the Ijebu community.
Opeoluwa, a member of the Egbe Tobalase Okunrin, had been momentarily taken ill from days of strenuous preparations but was revived just in time to receive his surprise honour.
Opeoluwa said, “I never knew people were watching me. I was only serving my land of birth to the best of my ability.”
He extended heartfelt appreciation to the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, and fellow committee members for the opportunity to serve, especially as the youngest in the group.
Mrs. Idowu Olabisi, a trader from Ijebu Igbo was overwhelmed with joy as she received a brand-new Suzuki Celerio.
“This is nothing short of a miracle. I didn’t expect something this grand,” Olabisi said.
In addition to the car giveaways, four other Glo subscribers from the Ijebu region won tricycles. They included Hassan Toheeb, a businessman from Ijebu Itele; Adenike Olanrewaju, a plank seller from Molipa; Gazal Temitope, a trader in Olisa; and Lawal Tosin, a carpenter in Ijebu Ode. Five more winners received power generators, while ten others were presented with brand-new grinding machines, as the telecom giant continued its tradition of rewarding loyalty and supporting grassroots enterprise.
The festival grounds were filled with dignitaries including Olorogun Sunny Kuku, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland; former governors Olusegun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel; and several captains of industry, all of Ijebu descent, along with their guests from across the globe.
As is tradition, nearly 100 Regberegbe groups dazzled the crowd with colourful costumes, rhythmic drumming, and captivating dance routines in homage to the revered monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who was represented by his wife, Olori Kemi Adetona.
The Eleshin families added to the splendour as they appeared in traditional war regalia, displaying equestrian finesse rooted in the historical valour of their forebears.
In his address, Governor Abiodun commended the Awujale’s 65 years of transformative reign, describing it as an era defined by “purposeful leadership, progressive vision and unwavering commitment to the upliftment of Ijebuland and Ogun State at large.”
In her remarks, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa hailed the Ojude Oba Festival as a beacon of Nigeria’s cultural richness and a symbol of how traditional institutions can preserve heritage for future generations.
To commemorate its 20th year of consecutive sponsorship, Globacom also gifted bags of specially-packaged Basmati rice to all Regberegbe members in appreciation of their unwavering loyalty to the brand and support for the festival.