The Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, was absent from the 2025 Ojude Oba festival held on Sunday in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The colourful cultural celebration, which takes place annually three days after Eid-el-Kabir, is known for drawing crowds in their finest traditional attire to pay homage to the Awujale and showcase the heritage of the Ijebu people.
Traditionally, the Awujale presides over the event, receiving tributes from various age-grade groups, families, and guests amid fanfare and ceremonial horse displays.
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His absence marked a significant deviation from longstanding tradition.
Oba Adetona, who is 91 years old, was represented at the ceremony by his wife, Olori Kemi Adetona, as thousands gathered at the expansive festival grounds.
A palace source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The PUNCH, “Kabiyesi is ageing gracefully. His absence today is simply because of his age. It has nothing to do with any illness.”
Despite this reassurance, speculation mounted among attendees, with many concerned over the monarch’s health.
The ruler, who has led Ijebuland since 1960, is highly regarded for his stability and leadership.
A senior Ogun State government official, who asked not to be named, supported the palace’s stance.
“There’s nothing wrong with Kabiyesi’s health. At his age, it is expected that he would avoid such stressful public outings,” the official said.
Efforts to reach the festival’s coordinator, Fassy Yusuf, for official comment were unsuccessful.
Repeated calls to his mobile phone went unanswered, and a text message sent had not been responded to as of press time.
The 2025 edition of the Ojude Oba festival still witnessed appearances from high-profile personalities, including Nollywood actors Lateef Adedimeji and Femi Branch, who added glamour to the event.
Farouk Oreagba, one of the popular figures associated with the event, also made an appearance and reportedly declared, “I want to be the face of 2025 too,” amid cheers from festival goers.
Despite the absence of the monarch, the event maintained its festive spirit, with vibrant parades, traditional music, and dazzling fashion displays continuing throughout the day.
The Ojude Oba festival remains one of Nigeria’s most significant cultural celebrations, drawing global attention to Ijebuland each year and serving as a symbol of unity and tradition.
