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AFIDFF Documents 2026 Ojude Oba Festival, Celebrating Yoruba Heritage and the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona

The African International Documentary Film Festival Foundation (AFIDFF) was present at the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, as part of its ongoing commitment to documenting, preserving and promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through visual storytelling.

The 2026 edition of the renowned cultural festival, held on 29 May, was themed “Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona,” in honour of the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who passed away in July 2025 after a 65-year reign.

Ojude Oba, meaning “the King’s Forecourt,” is an annual gathering of the sons and daughters of Ijebuland who come together to pay homage to the traditional ruler. Over the years, the celebration has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most prominent cultural festivals, bringing together tradition, community identity, fashion, music, age-grade associations and cultural expression. The 2026 edition carried particular significance as the first celebration following Oba Adetona's transition. Rather than interrupting the tradition, the festival became an opportunity to honour his enduring contributions to Ijebuland and to celebrate the cultural institution he helped elevate onto the global stage.

A major feature of Ojude Oba is the colourful procession of Regberegbe, the age-grade groups whose coordinated traditional attire, performances and displays reflect the strong bonds of community, identity and belonging within Ijebuland. The festival also features traditional horse-riding displays, cultural performances and the ceremonial homage to the Awujale.

The 2026 celebration attracted thousands of participants, including Ijebu sons and daughters, government officials, cultural stakeholders, business leaders, celebrities, tourists and other visitors from within Nigeria and abroad. The event further demonstrated the growing potential of cultural festivals as platforms for tourism, cultural exchange and the creative economy.

OJUDE OBA VIDEO LINK: https://web.facebook.com/share/r/1cz6aqB3Yw/

 

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