By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
The organisers of the globally celebrated Ojude Oba Festival have officially unveiled the commemorative medallion logo for the 2026 edition of the cultural fiesta during the press conference on Tuesday reaffirming that the annual event will continue to thrive despite the transition of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, held at the herita
The unveiling ceremony took place during the 2026 Ojude Oba World Press Conference held at the Heritage Hall of the Awujale Palace in Ijebu-Ode, where traditional rulers, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, corporate organisations and cultural stakeholders gathered to formally herald preparations for the forthcoming festival.
Speaking at the conference, the Baagbimo of Ijebuland and Coordinator of the Ojude Oba Festival Organising Committee, Chief Prof. Fassy Adetokunboh Yusuf, described the Ojude Oba Festival as a timeless symbol of unity, religious harmony and cultural pride among the Ijebu people.
According to him, the festival has grown into one of Africa’s most respected cultural celebrations and has become a global cultural brand that transcends generations.
Prof. Yusuf noted that public concerns regarding the continuity of the festival following the demise of the late Awujale had now been completely addressed, stressing that the revered monarch gave explicit instructions during his lifetime that the festival should never be suspended because of his passing or any period of royal transition.
He disclosed that the 2026 edition of the festival would hold under the theme, “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona.”
The official commemorative medallion logo for the 2026 celebration was unveiled by Otunba Giwa Ayodeji Osibogun, who described the emblem as a powerful representation of royalty, heritage, prestige and the enduring cultural identity of the Ijebu people.
Osibogun explained that the medallion reflects the majesty of the Awujale institution, the unity of the Regberegbe age-grade groups and the vibrancy of Ijebu cultural heritage, particularly the globally admired horse-riding tradition associated with the annual celebration.
He stated that the horse riders depicted in the commemorative emblem symbolise courage, honour, royalty, tradition and the warrior heritage of the Ijebu people.
According to him, the medallion serves as “history preserved in visual form” and will feature prominently across media campaigns, official merchandise, souvenirs, digital platforms, sponsor materials and archival records connected to the 2026 edition of the festival.
Also speaking during the event, the Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, described the Ojude Oba Festival as one of the state’s most valuable tourism and cultural assets capable of driving economic growth, tourism expansion and cultural diplomacy.
Fagbayi reaffirmed the commitment of the Ogun State Government under the administration of Dapo Abiodun to supporting the festival and promoting the state as a leading tourism destination through its rich cultural and historical heritage.
He highlighted major tourism assets within the state, including Olumo Rock, Yemọji Natural Swimming Pool, Bilikisu Sungbo Tourist Centre and the Ojude Living and Historical Museum.
Corporate organisations also renewed their commitment to sustaining the globally recognised festival through continued sponsorship and partnerships.
Globacom reaffirmed its role as one of the principal sponsors of the festival, describing Ojude Oba as one of Africa’s foremost cultural celebrations and a major platform for preserving Nigerian heritage and tradition.
The telecommunications giant stated that its sustained support aligns with its broader corporate vision of promoting indigenous culture, strengthening communities and sustaining institutions that unite Nigerians across generations.
Similarly, Nigerian Breweries Plc renewed its sponsorship commitment after more than two decades of partnership with the festival.
A representative of the company, speaking on behalf of the Goldberg and Maltina brands, described the festival as a living expression of Yoruba identity, communal pride and shared cultural values.
The representative assured stakeholders that the company’s support would continue uninterrupted, noting that the partnership with the festival has remained consistent for over 20 years.
The company further stated that Goldberg maintains strong cultural ties with the South-West through Omoluabi values of dignity, respect, excellence and communal spirit, while Maltina naturally aligns with the festival’s emphasis on family bonding, togetherness and celebration.
Other companies and brands present at the world press conference and which also reaffirmed support for the 2026 festival included Guinness Nigeria, Maggi, Origin, Seaman Schnapps, Adron Homes, Bigi Drinks and Cornerstone Insurance.
The organising committee disclosed that more than 90 Regberegbe age-grade groups are expected to participate in the colourful cultural procession during the 2026 edition, while 25 Balogun and Eleshin warrior families will feature in the famous equestrian displays that have become a defining symbol of the festival.
The grand finale of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival is scheduled to hold on Friday, May 29, 2026, two days after the Eid-el-Adha celebration.
Organisers further revealed that Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, alongside Governor Dapo Abiodun, members of the Federal Executive Council and other distinguished personalities, have been invited to attend the cultural celebration.
The committee assured residents, visitors and tourists of adequate security arrangements, effective traffic management and emergency response coordination to guarantee a peaceful and successful event, while urging all participants to uphold the dignity, heritage and global reputation of the Ojude Oba Festival.
