June 23, (THEWILL) – The annual Ojude Oba (the king’s forecourt) 2024, an ancient festival celebrated by the Yoruba, particularly the people of Ijebu community in Ogun State. This year’s event took place on Tuesday, June 18 on the third day after the Muslim Eid-el Kabir Festival. As always, it was colourful, glamorous and in every sense, a profound display of Yoruba cultural heritage which featured parades, traditional attires and cultural performances.
Ojude Oba Festival is regarded as one of the biggest and most consistent cultural events in southwestern Nigeria. Little wonder, President Bola Tinubu is considering its inclusion in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO’s world cultural heritage.
The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, admitted that plans are underway to make Ojude Oba festival a symbol of unity and a rallying point for the Ijebu people, as well as a global festival, attracting national and international audiences. He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support, including plans to include the festival in UNESCO’s world cultural heritage.