…corporate sponsors renew support as organisers insist festival will thrive beyond late Awujale’s reign
The organisers of the globally celebrated Ojude Oba Festival have officially unveiled the 2026 commemorative medallion logo while reaffirming that the cultural festival will continue to flourish despite the transition of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
The unveiling took place during the 2026 Ojude Oba World Press Conference held at the Heritage Hall of the Awujale Palace, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, where traditional leaders, government officials, corporate organisations, members of the diplomatic community and cultural stakeholders gathered to herald preparations for the 2026 edition of the festival.
Speaking during the conference, the Baagbimo of Ijebuland and Coordinator of the Ojude Oba Festival Organising Committee, Chief Prof. Fassy Adetokunboh Yusuf, described Ojude Oba as a timeless symbol of unity, religious harmony and cultural pride among the Ijebu people.
Prof. Yusuf said the festival has evolved into one of Africa’s most respected cultural celebrations and stressed that concerns surrounding its continuity following the demise of the late Awujale had been laid to rest.
According to him, the late monarch had expressly directed during his lifetime that the festival should never be suspended because of his passing or any royal interregnum.
He disclosed that the 2026 edition would hold under the theme: “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona.”
The official commemorative medallion logo for the 2026 edition was unveiled by Otunba Giwa Ayodeji Osibogun, Chairman of the Communications, Music and Sound Sub-Committee of the festival.
Osibogun described the medallion as a powerful symbol of heritage, royalty, prestige and the enduring cultural identity of the Ijebu people.
He explained that the medallion captures the majesty of the Awujale institution, the unity of the Regberegbe age-grade groups and the vibrancy of Ijebu culture, especially the globally recognised horse-riding tradition associated with the festival.
“The horse riders represented in this medallion are symbolic of courage, honour, royalty, tradition and the warrior heritage of our people,” he said.
He added that the emblem represents “history preserved in visual form” and disclosed that the commemorative identity would feature across media campaigns, official merchandise, souvenirs, digital platforms, sponsor materials and archival records for the 2026 festival.
Also speaking at the event, Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, described Ojude Oba as a major tourism and cultural asset capable of driving economic growth, tourism development and cultural diplomacy for Ogun State.
Fagbayi reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting the festival and promoting Ogun State as a major tourism destination through its cultural heritage assets, including Olumo Rock, Yemọji Natural Swimming Pool, Bilikisu Sungbo Tourist Centre and the Ojude Living and Historical Museum.
Globacom also reaffirmed its commitment 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 company stated that its long-standing support for the festival aligns with its broader vision of promoting indigenous culture, strengthening communities and sustaining institutions that unite Nigerians across generations.
Similarly, Nigerian Breweries Plc reaffirmed its commitment to the festival, pledging continued sponsorship after more than two decades of partnership.
A representative of the company, speaking on behalf of Goldberg and Maltina brands, described Ojude Oba as a living expression of Yoruba identity, pride and communal values.
“I can assure you that this is something we have done consistently for over 20 years and we are not stopping anytime soon,” the representative stated.
The company noted that Goldberg shares strong cultural ties with the South-West through Omoluabi values of respect, dignity, excellence and community spirit, while Maltina aligns naturally with the festival’s emphasis on togetherness, joy and family bonding.
Other companies and brands that reaffirmed their support and attended the world press conference included Guinness Nigeria, Maggi, Origin, Seaman Schnapps, Adron Homes, Bigi Drinks and Cornerstone Insurance.
The organising committee disclosed that over 90 Regberegbe groups are expected to participate in the colourful cultural parade during the festival, while 25 Balogun and Eleshin warrior families would feature in the famous equestrian displays.
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.
The committee also revealed that the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, alongside Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, members of the Federal Executive Council and other distinguished personalities, had been invited to the event.
Organisers assured residents and visitors of adequate security, traffic management and emergency response arrangements to ensure a peaceful and successful celebration while urging participants to uphold the dignity and global reputation of the Ojude Oba Festival.