Dapo Abiodun, Farooq Oreagba, Seyi Tinubu, others light up Ojude Oba Festival

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The ancient town of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, came alive on Friday as thousands of culture enthusiasts, tourists, dignitaries and traditionalists converged for the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated cultural gatherings.

But amid the colourful parades, horse-riding displays and rich cultural pageantry, it was the return of socialite and businessman Farooq Oreagba, popularly known as “Mr Steeze,” that once again stole the spotlight.

Oreagba, whose stylish appearance at previous editions transformed him into a social media sensation, made a dramatic entrance on horseback, drawing cheers and admiration from festivalgoers.

Dressed in a flowing white agbada and a distinctive purple cap, Oreagba maintained his now-famous cultural style, complete with a cigarette in hand as he rode majestically through the festival grounds. His appearance quickly dominated conversations online, with videos and photographs spreading across social media platforms within minutes.

“Mr Farooq Oreagba is ready for Ojude Oba 2026,” one X user posted, while another wrote: “Mr Farooq Oreagba is back with his horse and his steeze this year at the Ojude Oba 2026.”

The businessman, who has become an unofficial ambassador of modern Ojude Oba fashion, once again demonstrated how tradition, style and social media influence can combine to create a cultural phenomenon.

The festival also attracted an array of high-profile dignitaries, including Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; and Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.

Seyi Tinubu’s arrival generated excitement among younger attendees, many of whom cheered and surged forward to catch a glimpse of him as he made his way into the venue.

Also present was Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, an All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant in Ogun State, who arrived with his supporters and acknowledged the enthusiastic crowd.

As the celebration gathered momentum, various Regberegbe (age-grade groups) dazzled spectators with colourful processions in coordinated aso-oke, lace fabrics and elaborately designed traditional attire.

The parades, regarded as one of the festival’s major attractions, showcased the unity, prestige and enduring family heritage of the Ijebu people.

The famous Balogun horse-riding families also thrilled attendees with spectacular equestrian displays symbolising courage, martial history, wealth and social status.

Throughout the venue, the sounds of talking drums, traditional music and cultural performances echoed as guests danced, mingled and celebrated the enduring legacy of Ijebuland.

Videos and photographs from the event captured a sea of flowing agbadas, colourful gele headpieces, ornate beads and richly embroidered garments, highlighting why Ojude Oba remains one of Africa’s most visually captivating cultural festivals.

The annual celebration, held in honour of the Awujale of Ijebuland, has evolved from a gathering of Muslim converts paying homage to the monarch into a globally recognised cultural and tourism event that attracts visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora.

This year’s edition carried even deeper emotional significance as it was the first Ojude Oba festival since the passing of the revered Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

Despite the ongoing royal transition, organisers had insisted that the festival would proceed in honour of the late monarch’s enduring legacy and his lifelong commitment to preserving and promoting Ijebu culture.

The 2026 edition was therefore not only a celebration of tradition and identity but also a tribute to a monarch whose influence helped elevate Ojude Oba into an international cultural brand.