The Organising Committee of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival has dismissed rumours suggesting that the annual cultural celebration may be suspended following the death of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
The committee clarified that the late monarch had, before his passing, made it clear that the festival must continue even during any period of royal transition, including an interregnum.
The clarification was made during a press briefing held at the Awujale’s palace in Ijebu Ode to announce plans for the 2026 edition of the globally recognised cultural festival, themed “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona.”
The event was attended by members of the organising committee, sponsors, cultural stakeholders, and partners, many of whom also used the occasion to display their products and services.
Speaking at the briefing, the festival coordinator, Professor Fassy Yusuf, explained that the clarification became necessary due to speculations in some quarters that the event would be put on hold following the monarch’s demise.
He added that the late Awujale was firm in his instruction that Ojude Oba must remain an annual celebration regardless of any royal succession process.
