- Safiu Kehinde
The Ojude Oba festival have always lived up to its hype with the 2026 edition not exceptional. It presents spectators with colourful display of traditional attires worn by different age group commonly known as Regbe Regbe. It also features grand entry with horse rides and vintage cars.
Meanwhile, the annual event held in Ijebu-Ode after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration had over the years drawn wide attention with celebrities, expatriates, and politicians gracing the festival.
The 2026 edition is also not exceptional of these guests especially with the presence of politicians.
With the 2027 General Election fast approaching, it is expected of several members of the political class to make a show of the Ojude Oba heritage festival and they never disappointed.
Leading the charge was Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun, who arrived at the event around 11am on Friday.
In what would be his last appearance at the festival as a governor, Abiodun made a grand entry into venue with a red traditional attire and was warmly received by the crowd.
Abiodun who seeks to secure the Ogun East Senatorial District seat at the expiration of his tenure as the state’s governor.
NPO Reported that Abiodun had emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the Ogun East Senatorial District and is bound to replace the sitting Senator, Gbenga Daniel.
Speaking of Gbenga Daniel, the former Ogun governor also appeared at the 2026 Ojude Oba festival.
Daniel who arrived shortly after Abiodun’s grand entry was also welcomed by some of the spectators as he was seen exchanging pleasantries and waving at the crowd.
Having seen the past and present, the future also turned up to witness the glamour of festival as the APC gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 Ogun Governorship election, Sen. Adeola Olamilekan, popularly known as Yayi, arrived at the venue with his wife, Temitope Adeola, and his supporters.
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, also made an appearance at the festival with a blazing and well embroidered outfit.
Another notable presence at the event was Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, and the Minister of Arts and Culture, Hannatu Musawa.
Several other dignitaries including Nollywood actors and former housemates of Big Brother Naija reality TV show amongst others all made appearance at the festival.