Celebrated Ojude Oba festival
L-R: Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Laide Owolabi Adelani representing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa and the Osi Apagun of Egbaland, Chief Lai Labode, during the year 2025 Ojude Oba Festival, held at Ojude Oba Pavilion, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, on Sunday.
Harnessing the Full Potential of Ojude Oba for the Development of Ijebu Ode, Environs & Ogun State in General
I speak not from a place of criticism, but out of genuine concern and a sincere desire to see meaningful progress in a town that holds deep historical and cultural significance.
One would have expected Ijebu Ode, the cultural heart of Ijebuland, to be far more developed by now.
An event as prestigious as Ojude Oba — often likened to a pilgrimage to Mecca — draws tens of thousands of visitors each year, including dignitaries, celebrities, entrepreneurs, and diaspora returnees.
Yet, the festival’s massive visibility and national prominence have not translated into lasting infrastructural or economic transformation for the town.
This year’s event, as always, was colourful, majestic, and beautifully executed, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions and unity of the Ijebu people.
However, it also exposed critical gaps in planning and infrastructure.
The current venue appears overstretched by the sheer scale of the crowd.
There’s an urgent need for expansion and reconfiguration of the festival grounds to accommodate the growing number of attendees and improve comfort, safety, and functionality.
Observations and Immediate Recommendations:
1. Crowd Control and Public Safety
- The size of the crowd poses safety concerns.
There is a clear need for professional crowd management systems, including designated entry/exit points, barricades, emergency routes, and effective signage.
- Security presence should be enhanced, not just for VIPs but for all attendees, ensuring a safe and peaceful environment throughout the event.
2. Venue Infrastructure and Accessibility
- The venue requires comprehensive upgrading, including seating arrangements, canopies/shading, and expansion of viewing areas.
- Disabled access must be prioritised, with ramps, reserved sections, and guided assistance made available to the elderly and physically challenged.
- There must be clean, adequate, and accessible restroom facilities for all categories of guests.
3. Logistics and Guest Comfort
- Organisers should consider designated rest areas, hydration points, and information desks.
- Traffic management around the town during the event should be coordinated in partnership with transport authorities to ensure smooth flow and emergency response capability.
Beyond the Festival:
A Call for Strategic Development
The Ojude Oba Festival should serve not only as a cultural celebration but also as a catalyst for long-term development.
The failure to fully harness its potential is a missed opportunity for Ijebu Ode and the wider Ijebu nation.
The Ijebu people — known for their discipline, business acumen, and cultural pride — deserve a town that reflects their legacy and ambition.
Who Are the Ijebu?
• A sub-group of the Yoruba ethnic group, the Ijebu are mainly located in Ogun State (Ijebu Ode, Ijebu Igbo, Ago-Iwoye, etc.) with strong diaspora representation.
• Historically an independent and well-structured kingdom, the Ijebu had diplomatic and commercial relations with Europeans from as early as the 15th century.
• The Awujale of Ijebuland remains a revered traditional figure among the Yoruba people.
How to Transform Ojude Oba into a Sustainable Development Platform
1. Establish a Public-Private Development Board
- Create an Ojude Oba Development Trust composed of business leaders, diaspora representatives, and public officials to fund infrastructure projects.
2. Create a Tourism and Cultural Masterplan
- Develop year-round attractions and permanent facilities to turn Ijebu Ode into a heritage tourism destination, not just a once-a-year attraction.
3. Empower Local Economy
- Promote artisan markets, local food fairs, and fashion expos during the event.
- Offer small business grants and vendor platforms to local entrepreneurs.
4. Invest in Urban Renewal
- Improve roads, drainage, lighting, and public transport systems within Ijebu Ode.
- Build civic centres, recreational parks, and technology hubs to support youth development.
5. Leverage Diaspora Support
- Organise an Ijebu Global Business Roundtable during the Ojude Oba period to link diaspora investors with local projects.
6. Institutionalise Cultural Education and Digital Media
- Archive the history and significance of Ojude Oba through documentaries, museum exhibitions, and digital storytelling.
- Partner with media and content creators to document and market the festival globally.
Conclusion
The Ijebu people are among the most industrious and visionary in Nigeria, with a proud heritage and influential presence in all sectors of society.
With coordinated planning, inclusive leadership, and modern infrastructure, Ojude Oba can evolve into a world-class cultural and economic event — one that not only honours tradition but secures a prosperous future for generations to come.
Let us rise beyond celebration — let us build, invest, and modernise. Ijebu Ode deserves more.
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