The colourful attire, the colourful drums and horses including people from all walks of life make the annual Ojude Oba a memorial. But this year, the absence of Oba Sikiru Adetona, the paramount ruler in Ijebuland made it more intriguing. The seat had never been without Kabiyesi Awujale at any Ojude Oba. Well, for the first time in 65 years, the 91-year-old monarch’s seat was empty at the festival.
The colourful Ojude Oba festival which usually attract people from all walks of life to Ijebu Ode held on Sunday, May 8, 2025. It has become an annual ritual which has thrown the Ijebus to global pedestal.
Ojude Oba is known for the historical gathering of age groups, (Regberegbe). These age groups which consist of illustrious Ijebu sons and daughters, appear gaily dressed in traditional outfits to pay homage to the king.
In the same vein, these age groups and prominent royal families in Ijebuland are also present to display the rich cultural heritage of the Ijebu people including horse riding among others.
But this year, the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, was conspicuously absent.
The highly revered traditional ruler, has for many decades sat on his royal chair to receive the homage from the thousands of guests, tourists, and people from Ijebu during the annual festival.
The Awujale has spent 65 years on the throne.
The annual cultural celebration normally holds after the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir.
Present at the 2025 Ojude Oba festival were the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and his deputy, many federal and state government officals and other chiefs in Ijebu Ode.
The seat of the Awujale was present but empty.
Though homage was paid to the empty seat, his wife, Olori Adekemi Adetona sat next to it.
Though, the coordinator for the 2025 Ojude Oba festival, Dr Fassy Yusuff, on Monday said the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, could not attend the annual festival held on Sunday at Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, because he was recuperating at home after being discharged from a Lagos hospital last Thursday, many of the people haven’t seen the king as at press time.
However, an impeccable source told our correspondent that the 91-year-old monarch was not getting younger and that his absence was due to old age and failing health.
“Kabiyesi is old and has not been strong. He was rushed to the hospital some days before the Ojude Oba festival. Though he is back to the palace, only his family members and trusted chiefs are allowed to see him. We pray that his health improves soon,” the source said.
He hasn’t been seen in public since then.
But the festival coordinator, while clearing the air over whatever rumour the absence of the foremost traditional ruler might have generated, said there was no need to worry as the royal father was only recuperating after being discharged from the hospital last Thursday.
He said there was nothing to worry about.
In a text message sent to journalists, the former Commissioner for Information said, “Awujale was hospitalised in Lagos two weeks ago, but was discharged on Thursday.
“He is now recuperating at home. A normal situation. Nothing to worry about.”