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WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT OJÚDE ỌBA FESTIVAL

 


By Oyewole Barakat


Ojúde Ọba Festival is one of the most popular events held in Yorùbá land. This festival is held in Southwestern Nigeria, Ijebu Land, Ogun State. The purpose of the celebration is to unite and bond the indigenes of Ijebu Land at home and in the diaspora, cherishing the Ijebu cultural heritage and values of its people. 

The name "Ojúde Ọba" has its source from the Ijebu dialect, which means "the King's Courtyard or the King's Forecourt". The celebration is done in the palace of Awujale of Ijebu Land during the third day of the Muslim Eid-al-dah festival popularly known as Ileya. This is the period where all sons and daughters of Ijebu land all over the world sacrifice whatever they are doing to celebrate with their families and loved ones, reflecting their cultural values. 

The celebration of this festival all started during the reign of Ọba Adesimbọ Tunwase, when the Muslims came to his palace to show gratitude to the Awujale, for allowing them to have the free will to practice the Islamic religion. This gradually developed to accommodate indigenes from other religions to participate, and it became a grand celebration of cultural heritage which now attracts non-indigenes to as well witness the festival. 

Various groups known as the "Regbéregbé" which consists of men and women of certain ages, showcase their unity and strength through synchronized dances, intricate bead works, and colourful costumes, reflecting the themes of tradition and royalty. They dance to the different Yorùbá traditional drums like Gángan, Bàtá, Gúdugudu, and many more. 

Another major interesting aspect of this festival is the horse riding–equestrian display–where skilled horsemen in their ravish regalia ride horses to pay homage to the historical significance of horse riding in Ijebu culture, symbolizing nobility and warrior spirit of Ijebu warriors in the past. 

Apart from the preservation of the cultural heritage and improving unity among the Ijebus, the festival has also served as an occasion for resolving disputes and fostering peace in the community. The presence of the Awujale and other community leaders provides an opportunity for mediation and reconciliation. The fact that the festival attracts tourists from different parts of the world to witness the event yearly. This promotes the culture of the Ijebus and also boosts the local economy of the people. There is a high increase in sales in places like hotels, restaurants, and markets and most artisans also make sales at the time. 

Furthermore, the festival provides an avenue for the imperial majesty to share his vision, fostering communication between him and his people, and also recognizes and confers honour and titles to some deserving individuals. 

In conclusion, the festival is not only meant for its festivity alone–dances, drums, regalia attire, and horse riding–but also serves as a platform for praying to the Almighty, self-reflection, community development, and also bonding of families and social relationships. 

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