Video: Ojude Oba Festival in Colours

Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State(L), and Awujale of Ijebu, Oba Sikiru Adetona during the 2017 edition of Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu Ode on Sunday. Photo: Iyiola Pedro/DKO/NAN

By Vezi Isike & Iyiola Pedro

For more than 100 years the Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state  brings together sons and daughters of Ijebuland for an elaborate display of culture and heritage.

Originally, a small gathering of adherents and followers of the Islamic religion every 3rd day after Muslim festival of Id El-Kabir, the festival has transcended religious lines.

One of the age groups called “Egbe Bobagunte’’ at the 2017 edition of Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu Ode on Sunday

It attracts people of all faiths and tourists who come to witness the festival celebrated amidst pomp and pageantry. It features intermittent gunshots, dance competitions, horse-riding by various families who dress their horses and exhibit their horse-riding skill to the admiration of spectators.

During the dance competition, different age-groups, known as Regberegbe, display their dancing prowess. The best-dressed Regberegbe and horse-riding family are rewarded with cash prizes.

Video edited by Iyiola Pedro.

NAN