OGUN State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said that the state government will conitnue to create opportunities for the people of the state to excel.
The governor stated this at the 2025 Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu Ode on Sunday
He described the festival as a dynamic tool for tourism, youth engagement, and entrepreneurship.
Abiodun also said that the festival was more than a celebration but was a symbol of communal harmony and cultural heritage.
He said, “Ojude Oba has become a dynamic engine of tourism, youth engagement, and entrepreneurship. Our administration is determined to expand its reach and impact.”
He said his administration was encouraging access in Ijebuland and across Ogun State through the provision of infrastructure, enhancing educational and digital facilities, upgrading the healthcare infrastructure, and supporting local enterprises.
“We’re ensuring that no community is left behind. The vibrant youths of Ijebuland, let me assure you that our government will continue to provide platforms for you to excel.
“As we celebrate Ojude Oba with horses, harmony, and heritage, let us recognise that our rich culture is not just a source of pride but a catalyst for sustainable development,” Abiodun added.
He also said the greatest strength of the people of the state lies in their unity, values, and shared resolve to build a prosperous Ogun State that leaves no one behind.
“We, therefore, need to work together to build a better and more prosperous future for ourselves, our children, and generations yet unborn. Our greatest strength lies in our unity, values, and our shared resolve to build a prosperous Ogun State that leaves no one behind.
“Let us preserve the peace handed down by our ancestors and look forward to a future filled with opportunities, innovation, and abundance,” he added.
The festival, held at the Awujale Pavilion, under the leadership of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, also had in attendance, the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami; the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; and two former governors of the state, Chief Olusegun Osoba and Senator Gbenga Daniel, among others.
The event featured a vibrant display of different Yoruba attire made from local fabrics like Adire, Aso Oke, Agbada, and Iro and Buba, worn by different age groups and families.
Over 30 male and female age groups, locally known as ‘Regbe Regbe,’ participated in the cultural parade in distinct attire. Each group took turns to pay homage to the Ajuwale.
However, due to the large turnout, only the leaders (Giwa and Iyalode) of the groups were allowed to enter the VIP section and salute the king, while others remained at the entrance waving banners bearing the name of the group.
Oba Johnson Okubenu, who is the leader of the Bobaniyi Asiwaju Akile Ijebu Okunrin age group comprising men born between 1962 and 1964, described the 2025 edition of the festival as unique.
“You can see the glamour they added. Look at the setting. This one is unique to pay homage to the Ajuwale. In the ones I attended as a child in the 70s, the Ajuwale’s palace was used for the festival,” he said.
A female participant, who identified herself as Oyinkansola and said that she prepared for the festival for about 12 months, expressed excitement.
She said, “This is my town and this is what we do every year. I have been preparing for this event for about a year. We are having fun and enjoying the moment.”
