I am sure I am not the only person who has been captivated by the scintillating pictures on the internet from the Ojude Oba festival. The Ojude Oba festival is an annual celebration, held two days after Eid al-Adha, brought together the Ijebu people of Ogun state south west Nigeria, in a grand display of cultural heritage, unity, and loyalty by households and clans to their monarch, the Awujale of Ijebuland. “Ojude Oba” literally means “The King’s frontage,” a fitting name for this ancient annual festival.
The internet sensation, Farooq Oreagba popularly dubbed “Mr Steeze” because of how effortlessly he carried himself with style and ease, was one of many horse riders, mounted on magnificently adorned horses.
The horses, draped in vibrant fabrics and beads, pranced and trotted, their movements synchronized with the beats of the drums.
The festival grounds, located near the majestic Awujale’s palace was graced by the Baluwas (elders), dressed in their distinctive regalia, who led the way, followed by various age-grade groups, each displaying their unique attires and styles. The Men-Ọkunrin wore agbadas in vivid blues and deep purples, their caps embroidered with golden threads. Women- obinrin glided gracefully in their iro and buba, adorned with gele head wraps of every imaginable color, sparkling with sequins and beads.
At the heart of the festival, the Awujale sat in regal splendor, dressed in a flowing white agbada with intricate silver embroidery, his presence commanding respect and admiration. As the different groups approached him, they performed traditional dances, sang praises, and offered gifts, a symbolic gesture of loyalty and gratitude.