The ancient city of Ijebu-Ode was transformed into a living runway on June 8, 2025, as thousands gathered for the annual Ojude Oba festival – a stunning fusion of fashion, heritage, pageantry, and cultural pride. With its riot of colour, movement, and symbolism, this year’s celebration affirmed its place as one of Nigeria’s most spectacular and fashionable traditional events.
Often likened to a cultural Met Gala, the 2025 edition of Ojude Oba did not disappoint, delivering high-octane glamour and deeply rooted tradition in equal measure. From the breathtaking procession of Regberegbe groups to the majestic parade of horse-riding warriors, the festival was a feast for the senses — and a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of the Ijebu people.
A Cultural Catwalk Like No Other
At the heart of the festival was the elaborate display by the Regberegbe — age-grade groups made up of families, friends, and community members. Each group appeared in carefully coordinated traditional outfits, planned months in advance. The fashion on show was nothing short of regal: opulent aso-oke, shimmering lace, richly embroidered velvet, sequinned adire, and luxurious damask flowed in waves across the festival grounds.
It was a catwalk under the sun. Women dazzled in towering gele headwraps, layered coral beads, and matching clutches and fans. Men cut striking figures in elaborately stitched agbadas, monogrammed fila caps, and polished walking sticks that served as both accessory and status symbol.
From pastel palettes to royal blues and crimson reds, the aesthetic coordination within each group was jaw-dropping. The looks were not just about beauty; they told stories of identity, unity, and pride. Some groups wore outfits themed around heritage motifs or family crests, while others showcased modern reinterpretations of ancient patterns. The creativity was endless, and each entrance was met with loud applause from the thousands who lined the Awujale’s forecourt.
When Fashion Meets Swagger: The Horsemen Return
No Ojude Oba is complete without the dramatic entry of the Balogun and Eleshin families — descendants of Ijebu warriors who now honour their legacy on horseback. These processions were among the most anticipated moments of the day. Adorned in chainmail-style tunics, richly beaded garments, and grand turbans, the horsemen rode decorated steeds through the streets, firing ceremonial gunshots and saluting the Awujale, the revered monarch of Ijebu land, Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
One standout figure, Farooq Oreagba, a cancer survivor turned fashion icon, drew massive attention with his custom embroidered agbada, signature dark shades, and coral bead accessories. His entrance went viral again this year, reinforcing his status as the “King of Steeze” and a cultural ambassador for contemporary Nigerian style.
A-Listers, Music, and Pop Culture Fusion
The 2025 festival also saw a growing presence of celebrities and influencers who brought star power to the traditional event. Nollywood stars like Lateef Adedimeji, Femi Branch, and Bimbo Thomas mingled with the crowd, while singer Lil Kesh thrilled fans as he arrived in a youthful take on aso-oke.
Actress Eniola Badmus turned heads with her blend of tradition and trend: a Givenchy shirt, flowing lace wrapper, trainers, and an umbrella to match — earning her praise for her avant-garde fusion of street and cultural fashion. On social media, posts featuring these looks dominated feeds with hashtags like #OjudeOba2025 and #FashionMeetsTradition.
More Than a Show: Rituals, Prayers, and Royal Salutes
Yet beyond the glamour and selfies, Ojude Oba remained a deeply spiritual and ceremonial affair. The highlight was the homage paid to the Awujale, Oba Adetona, by each Regberegbe. They danced, sang, and presented symbolic gifts in a colourful procession, offering prayers for his continued health and the prosperity of Ijebu land.
As drums rolled and talking drums echoed ancestral chants, the monarch, seated under a royal canopy, received his subjects with grace and authority. The festival also featured Quranic recitations, traditional chants, and blessings by Islamic scholars and royal chiefs.
Culture as Economy and Identity
The economic impact of the festival was visible at every turn. Tailors, weavers, makeup artists, jewellery vendors, and event planners benefited massively from the months-long preparation that preceded the ceremony. Fashion houses from Lagos to Abeokuta reported increased commissions, while hotels and transport operators in Ijebu-Ode worked at full capacity.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was present and resplendent in his own gold-embroidered agbada, praised the cultural and economic significance of Ojude Oba. He said the festival not only reinforces the values of unity and identity but also boosts tourism and crafts-based industries.
An Evolving Tradition With Global Appeal
Originating in the 19th century as a gathering of Ijebu Muslim converts to thank their king after Eid, Ojude Oba has evolved into a pan-religious, pan-Yoruba celebration. Christians, Muslims, traditionalists, and even non-Ijebus now participate freely, highlighting the inclusive and progressive spirit of the people.
With its global livestream, growing fashion influence, and media buzz, Ojude Oba is fast becoming a cultural export. It proves that tradition need not be static — it can evolve, excite, and empower.
Final Word: Fashion is the Message
Ojude Oba 2025 proved once again that fashion is not just about fabric; it’s about legacy, story, and self-expression. The event was a stunning example of how cultural pride can be elevated through creativity, confidence, and coordination. In a country often divided, the sight of thousands moving in rhythm, clad in matching outfits, chanting in unity, was a powerful symbol of what Nigeria can be.
As the dust settled and the drums faded, one truth remained: in Ijebu-Ode, culture is not just remembered — it is worn, paraded, and proudly lived.
