Preparations for the 2026 edition of the globally celebrated Ojude Oba Festival have gained momentum with the inauguration of six specialised sub-committees by the festival’s organising committee.
The inauguration ceremony, held on March 13 at the Awujale’s Palace in Ijebu-Ode, was aimed at strengthening planning, coordination and operational efficiency ahead of the next edition of the annual cultural celebration.
Chairman of the organising committee, Chief O. B. Okuboyejo, said the decision to establish the sub-committees followed careful review of observations and feedback from stakeholders after the previous edition of the festival.
According to him, concerns raised within the community and among members of the diaspora made it necessary to restructure aspects of the planning process in order to deliver a better organised and more seamless event.
He explained that the new committees would focus on key operational areas such as crowd control, safety, security, venue management and communication.
During the inauguration ceremony, the Coordinator of the organising committee, Chief Prof. Fassy A. O. Yusuf, formally read out the membership of the six sub-committees in his inaugural address.
He noted that the committees were carefully constituted to include representatives from traditional institutions, community organisations, security agencies, religious bodies and professional groups within the Ijebu community.
According to him, the inclusive composition of the committees reflects the importance of collective participation in the organisation of the festival.
Crowd Control and Traffic Management Sub-Committee
Members of the Crowd Control and Traffic Management Sub-Committee include:
Omoba Wale Adedeji Siyanbola (1-J Boys)
Mr. Segun Ogunsanya (Ijebu Development Agenda), Otunba Leke Ajayi (I.O.D.A), Oloritun Alhaji Lateef Otenuga (Council of Olorituns), Unit Commander, FRSC Ijebu-Ode Unit Command, Alhaji Imam Taslim Akilo (Central Mosque), Giwa Supo Mosuro (Regberegbe), Giwa Sakiru Basiru (Regberegbe), Otun Iyalode Olufisayo Akodu (Regberegbe).
The committee is expected to develop a comprehensive traffic management and crowd control strategy to ensure smooth vehicular and pedestrian movement throughout the event.
Health and Safety Sub-Committee
Members of the Health and Safety Sub-Committee include: Dr. Olukayode Onasanya (I-J Boys), Dr. Kehinde Phillips (I-J Boys), Dr. Olusesan Daniel (I-J Boys), Alhaji A. R. Hassan (Council of Olorituns), Alhaji Imam Razaq Olumitayo Quadri (Central Mosque), Imam Azeez Adekunle Musari (Central Mosque), Otunba F. O. Arowolo (Council of Otunbas), Giwa Adebayo Osikomaiya (Regberegbe), Maiyegun Pharm. Ayodele Hassan (Regberegbe).
The committee will coordinate medical services, emergency response arrangements and safety protocols for the festival.
Security Sub-Committee
Members of the Security Sub-Committee include: Oloritun Abayomi Olusoga (Council of Olorituns), Brig. Gen. (Rtd) Sotunde Songonuga (Regberegbe), Brig. Gen. (Rtd) Biodun Quadri (Regberegbe), Officer-in-Charge, DSS Ijebu-Ode Command, Nigeria Police Area Commander, Ijebu Area Command, Alhaji Imam Yusuf Alli (Central Mosque), Giwa Adebayo Mosuro (Regberegbe), Giwa Idowu Akinola (Regberegbe), Commanding Officer, Nigerian Army Ilese Barracks.
This committee will coordinate security operations and ensure the safety of guests, participants and property throughout the festival.
Main Venue and Overflow Venues
Management Sub-Committee
Members include: Mr. Bambo Adebowale (Ijebu Development Agenda), Oloritun Benson Ajayi (Council of Olorituns), Mr. Abdulsalam Abdulrazak (Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism), Barr. K. K. Otukoya (Central Mosque), Alhaji Imam Rahman Jagunna (Central Mosque), Otunba Prof. Oluwatoyin Ashiru, MON (Council of Otunbas), Otunba Abayomi Odunowo (Council of Otunbas), Otunba Giwa Adesanya Yusuf (Council of Otunbas), Giwa Adebowale Ojuri (Regberegbe).
The committee will coordinate the management of the main festival venue and other designated locations for participants and spectators.
Awujale Street Management Sub-Committee
Members include: Oloritun M. A. Koletowo (Council of Olorituns), Comrade Funmi Adekunle (NUJ), Abdulganiy Adebola Oludaisi, PhD (Central Mosque), Giwa Alhaji Oluwatoyin Danmola (Regberegbe), Giwa Samod Balogun (Regberegbe), Mr. Moses Onikosi (Council of Baloguns and Eleshins), Iyalode Korede Alatishe (Regberegbe), Ijebu-Ode TRACE Commander, Bukayo Adekoya.
The committee will ensure that Awujale Street remains free of vehicles, trading activities and temporary structures during the festival.
Communication, Musical and Sound Control Sub-Committee
Members include: Oloritun Femi Adagojo (Council of Olorituns), Otunba Ayodeji Osibogun (Council of Otunbas), Giwa Dare Muritala (Regberegbe), Giwa Olawole Badmus (Regberegbe), Iyalode Taibat Odupitan (Regberegbe), Giwa Engr. Abiola Alausa (Regberegbe), Comrade Funmi Suleodu (NUJ), Oyekolade Sodiq Oyesanya, PhD (Central Mosque), Hameed Supo Adebayo, PhD (Central Mosque).
The committee will oversee public communication, musical coordination and sound management during the event.
Additional Viewing Spots Considered to Ease Congestion
In addition to the restructuring of the planning framework, the organising committee is also exploring the possibility of creating additional viewing spots across Ijebu Ode where the festival can be watched live apart from the main pavilion.
Chief Okuboyejo explained that the initiative is aimed at reducing pressure on the main bowl of the event while allowing more residents and visitors to experience the celebrations comfortably.
If implemented, the arrangement will enable festival activities to be viewed simultaneously from designated locations within the town through coordinated live coverage, thereby improving crowd management and ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for participants and spectators.
Terms of Reference for Effective Planning
The organising committee also released a comprehensive Terms of Reference document guiding the operations of the six sub-committees.
According to the document, each committee will report directly to the central organising committee through periodic briefing meetings, with at least three meetings scheduled ahead of the festival.
All committees are required to complete their operational arrangements at least one week before the festival day, ensuring that the organisers are fully prepared ahead of the event.
Sub-committees were also instructed to promptly report major risks or operational challenges to the coordinator or chairman whenever urgent decisions are required.
Commitment to a Successful Festival
The organising committee emphasised that the success of the festival will depend on the dedication and cooperation of members serving on the various committees.
Stakeholders were therefore encouraged to contribute their time, expertise and creativity to ensure that the 2026 edition of the Ojude Oba Festival is better organised, safer and more memorable.
The Ojude Oba Festival, held annually in honour of the Awujale of Ijebuland shortly after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, remains one of Nigeria’s most important cultural gatherings, attracting participants and visitors from across the country and the diaspora.
