As a journalist with TVC News, I’ve covered many events over the years—but being assigned to report on the 2025 Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu Ode was something special.
I had heard so much about it—the colours, the culture, the crowd, the royalty—but nothing could prepare me for the beauty I witnessed that day.
We arrived the venue by 7:00 a.m. The sun was still soft in the sky, but the venue was already coming alive. Members of the different age-grade groups, called the regberegbe, were arriving in their colourful uniforms. Some came on foot, others in long convoys of cars, buses, and vans—each group excited to mark their presence at the palace grounds.
Even at that early hour, there was already music playing—talking drums, trumpets, and cultural beats filled the air. I stood at the main entrance of the Awujale’s palace, watching people file in, adjusting their head ties, straightening agbadas, dusting their shoes—getting ready for one of the biggest cultural shows in Nigeria.
My team and I had the camera and microphone ready. My producer was already identifying spots to film from, while our cameraman captured the stunning views of the decorations around the venue. The stage was set, the mood was bright, and the crowd kept growing.
By 9:00 a.m., the event officially began. The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, took his royal seat The VIP lounge..
The moment he arrived, there was loud drumming and cheering. Everyone stood up in respect. His presence reminded us of the true meaning of the day—celebrating tradition, unity, and royal leadership.
One after the other, the regberegbe groups began their parade. Each group had its unique colour, music, and performance.
They marched forward proudly, some singing praises, others dancing in perfect formatio. Others had matching umbrellas, beads, and custom-made fabrics that looked like fashion straight off a runway.
While speaking to TVC NEWS, attendees expressed their joy and the need for other sons and daughters of the soil to be a part of this festival in the coming years.
One of the most breathtaking parts of the festival was the arrival of the traditional chiefs on horseback. The horses were dressed as beautifully as their riders—covered in rich fabrics, beads, and ornaments. As they trotted into the palace arena, the crowd cheered loudly.
Apart from the cultural displays, Ojude Oba is also a fashion show. Everywhere I looked, people were dressed in matching outfits, headgear that reached to the sky, and shoes that sparkled. Families came out in coordinated attires.
Many people also came to reconnect. The joy was real. The festival, though deeply traditional, had a modern vibe that made everyone feel welcome.
Even some celebrities like of Nollywood actors, Lateef Adedmeji, Ibrahim Chatta amongst others were spotted in the crowd, blending in and enjoying the moment by paying homage to the revered monarch like everyone else.
