Every year, the city of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State transforms into a cultural masterpiece, a living, breathing runway of heritage, and Ojude Oba Festival 2025 proved once again why it’s Nigeria’s most elegant and culturally significant event. This year’s edition stretched beyond paying homage to the Awujale of Ijebuland. It echoed a deeper call to the nation to de-westernize our identity and wear our culture with pride, even to work.
From shimmering aso oke robes to majestic horse parades, Ojude Oba 2025 celebrated Yoruba fashion at its peak, vibrant, unapologetic, and unmistakably regal. But even more notably, it sparked an important conversation: how can we export our culture, not just during festivals, but in our daily lives?
Wearing Culture to the Boardroom
One voice that resonated deeply during this year’s festival was that of Farooq Oreagba, whose viral video featured him speaking about wearing Ankara pants with a crisp white shirt to work. In a world dominated by Western dress codes, Oreagba’s style boldly challenged the status quo, reminding Nigerians that cultural expression should not be reserved for weekends, festivals, and weddings.
“Our traditional wear is beautiful and powerful,” he said, “Every thread tells a story. We must carry that into our workplaces, our boardrooms, and even global stages.”
That statement sums up the deeper value of Ojude Oba: preserving culture by living it.
The Grandeur of Regberegbe and Modern Elegance
The heart of Ojude Oba lies in the regberegbe processions, the age-grade groups of Ijebuland. These groups, dressed in coordinated adire, aso oke, lace, brocade, and damask, paraded through the streets in what can only be described as a sartorial symphony. Their attires were a strategic statements of pride, wealth, and cultural excellence.
This year, families arrived to both dazzle and represent. From handcrafted gele styles to elaborate traditional beads that signified age and rank, the event once again blended history with high fashion. It was steeze with a mission, to showcase the beauty of Yoruba identity on a global stage.
Women on Horseback: Reclaiming Cultural Power
In a move that wowed the crowd, more women riders joined the traditional horse displays, historically dominated by men. Dressed in regal attire, these women rode through the festival grounds with grace and might, embodying a new era of inclusivity and cultural evolution.
“It’s no longer just a man’s world,” one female rider said. “We are as much protectors and ambassadors of our heritage as our fathers and brothers.”
This shift signals a broader change in how cultural traditions are interpreted, making room for women to take more visible roles in heritage preservation.
Cultural Capital with Global Potential
Governor Dapo Abiodun emphasized that cultural festivals like Ojude Oba are more than artistic expressions. They are economic assets. “Our cultural heritage is a powerful tool for national development,” he stated, highlighting how the event continues to drive tourism, create jobs, and attract foreign investment.
Indeed, the business case for cultural festivals is growing stronger. Brands like Globacom, FCMB, Orijin, and even emerging designers are tapping into Ojude Oba’s reach to connect with consumers who value authenticity and local storytelling.
A Call for Everyday Cultural Representation
Ojude Oba Festival 2025 was a declaration. A reminder that our fabrics, symbols, and traditions are not remnants of the past, but blueprints for the future.
If Farooq Oreagba can make Ankara workwear a corporate staple, what’s stopping HR departments from rewriting dress codes? Why can’t aso oke blazers sit beside pinstripe suits?
As Nigeria continues to navigate its cultural identity in a globalized world, festivals like Ojude Oba are crucial for the spectacle, the anchoring of national pride, and inspiring global curiosity.
Let’s not wait for festivals to wear our culture. Let’s wear it every day.
Talking Drum: Nigeria’s Ancient Vibe Machine That Still Slaps!
