•What No One Will Tell You About The Event
The 2019 Ojude Oba Festival may have come and gone, but a lot happened at the event that no one else can tell you apart from City People Magazine Online. City People has consistently covered Ojude-Oba Festival for the past 20 years without fail.
Below is the blow-by-blow account of this colourful annual event which took place on Tuesday 13th August, 2019 at the Awujale’s Pavillion, opposite Awujale’s palace in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. It is an annual event that has over the years been transformed into a 1st Class tourist attraction.
The festival cuts across religion, profession, age, class and communal diversities.v This years festival was a classy & cosy carnival with all the usual colour, glamour. It attracted thousands of people into Ijebu-Ode. It also witnessed a huge global viewership online. It showcased Ijebu’s rich tradition and culture.
MEET THE GIWAS OF THE GROUPS
The Giwas are like the Presidents of the age-grade groups called Regberegbe. Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye is the acting Giwa of Egbe Mafowoku Ijebu (which the Awujale belongs to). The former Giwa, HRH Oba Shafi Sule passed on months back. Senator Durojaiye is officially the Otun Giwa. Another Giwa is Alhaji M.A. Odutayo, the Giwa of Egbe Olugbadebo (Okunrin). He is also the President of Ijebu Regberegbe Council.
There is also the Giwa of Egbe Bobayo, Giwa Dhikrullah Bosun Oke. He is also the Vice President of the Regberegbe Council. Giwa M.A. Oreagba leads Egbe Bobagbuyi. He is the Secretary of the Regberegbe Council. There is also Giwa Ope Surakat. He is the Giwa of Egbe Obaleke (Okunrin). There are others like Giwa Wale Alli-Oke (Bobajolu); Giwa Supo Mosuro (Egbe Obafunwaji); Giwa Deji Osibogun (Egbe Bobabimo Akile); Giwa Ogungbo Kolawole (Egbe Bobagbimo Asiwaju); Giwa Biodun Onanuga (Egbe Bobakeye); Giwa Adesanya Yusuf (Egbe Bobagunte Akile); Giwa Niyi Osoba (Egbe Bobagunte Asiwaju) and Giwa Tunde Ashiru Balogun (Egbe Gbobaniyi Akile).
There are other Giwas like Giwa Mufutau Oseni. He is the Giwa of Gbobaniyi Okunrin Asiwaju. There is Giwa Adewale Abdul (Egbe Jagunmolu Fehintade); Giwa Kayode Abdul (Jagunmolu Okunrin Akile); Giwa Fatai Salami (Jagunmolu Okunrin Asiwaju); Giwa Dare Muritala (Egbe Arobayo Akile); Giwa Hammed Elerunwon (Egbe Arobayo Okunrin Asiwaju); Giwa Abiola Azeez Alausa (Tobalase Okunrin Akile); Giwa Adeyemi Kazeem (Egbe Boba Maiyegun Okunrin Akile Ijebu); Giwa Dipo Ogunlana (Egbe Bobamaiyegun Okunrin Asiwaju Akile Ijebu); Giwa Bayo Orekomaya (Egbe Obayori Okunrin) and Giwa Suraju Lasisi (Egbe Obayori Okunrin Akile Ijebu, Kuye).
UNVEILING THE IYALODES OF THE GROUPS
The Iyalode of Egbe Olugbadebo Obinrin (Elites) is late. She is Iyalode Bola Onabanjo. Iyalode Tamiu Dapo Owodunni (Egbe Bobayo); Iyalode Bukky Ogun (Egbe Bobagbuyi Obinrin); Iyalode Iyabo Omotayo Odunmolorun (Egbe Obaleke Obinrin)’ Iyalode Oyinade Adekoya (Egbe Bobajolu Original); Iyalode Yemi Balogun (Egbe Bobajolu Basiri); Iyalode Busurat Ogunneye (Egbe Obafuwaji The Great); Iyalode Toyin Ayanbadejo (Egbe Obafunwaji Adedoyin) and Iyalode Kike Odutayo (Egbe Bobagbimo Obinrin); Iyalode Matilda Lara Oduekun (Egbe Bobakeye, Surakatu); Iyalode Toyin Oluwole (Egbe Bobakeye Double T); Iyalode Korede Alatishe (Egbe Bobagunte Omo Oba); Iyalode Toyin Aberuagba (Bobagunte Gold) and Iyalode Abiola Okunowo-Akande (Bobagunte Olu Iwa).
There are more Iyalodes like Iyalode Yemisi Fasawe (Egbe Gbobaniyi Olori/Olori); Iyalode Risikat Akinsanya (Egbe Jagunmolu Original); Iyalode Hamdalat Sanni (Jagunmolu Original); Iyalode Taiwo Odumosu (Egbe Arobayo Akile); Iyalode Bolanle Kuforiji Adeyemi (Tobalase Akile); Iyalode Folasade Kasali (Egbe Tobalase Obaloju); Iyalode Kuburat Aregbe (Iyalode Bobamaiyegun Aremo-Alara Akile Ijebu); Iyalode Oluwakemi Popoola Ango (Egbe Bobamaiyegun Asiwaju Obinrin Akile Ijebu; Iyalode Olayinka Momodun (Egbe Tobalase Obinrin Rontex); Iyalode Islamat Sowami (Egbe Bobamaiyegun Obinrin Diamond) and Iyalode Bisola Abatan (Iyalode Arobayo Obinrin, Larontex).
IYALODE KOREDE ALATISHE WAS ALL OVER
One Ijebu celebrity woman who was very busy all through the event was Iyalode Korede Alatishe. She is the Iyalode, Egbe Bobagunte Omo-Oba. She is the Treasurer, Regberegbe Council. She is also the Iyalaje of Ijebuland. She is a successful businesswoman. She is a big distributor for various drinks. She is a stylish woman.
She had to play so many roles. She looked stylish in her outfit with her to match. She adorned her hair with local cowries.
GLO, FCMB & RITE FOOD STAFF WORE SPECIAL ASO EBI
The staff of these 3 companies who are all big sponsors of Ojude Oba stood out distinctly in their different Aso-Ebi with their companies etched on it.
GOLDBERG BEER WASVERY VISIBLE
For days, up to the build up to Ojude-Oba, Goldberg Beer was very visible all over Ijebu-Ode. So visible was it that it sent all other beers packing, all over Ijebu-Ode. All over Ijebu-Ode, it was all Goldberg, one of the products of Nigeria Breweries (Plc). Goldberg Beer made its 6th appearance as an associate sponsor. The company put together as usual, a Goldberg Beer Village in Ijebu-Ode, a week before the festival.
WHY FCMB HAS BEEN A MAJOR SUPPORTER OF OJUDE OBA
FCMB is one of the major sponsors of Ojude-Oba annually. It has done that for more than 10 years as a key supporter of the festival.
GLO WAS MAIN SPONSOR
Glo was the main sponsor of the 2019 Ojude-Oba. It invested a lot on the festival. Once you drive into Ijebu-Ode, Glo’s Billboards and Flexis will hit you all over town. There was a huge concentration of billboards around the palace area and inside the Pavillion where the event took place.
During the event, Glo mounted a special equipment which boosted the reception of Glo all over. About 30 senior staff of Glo were on ground to make sure Glo was visible at the Ojude-Oba festival. A lot of recharge cards and sim cards were sold. It was the coming together of the staff of Corporate Affairs/Branding, Technical guys and Sales/Promotions. Glo gave out Glo Awards to the Best Regberegbe, 1st Runner Up & 2nd Runner Up. (Male & Female Categories). Glo also gave out Glo Awards to the Best Balogun Horse Rider, 1st Runner Up & 2nd Runner Up.
SIR KESINGTON ADEBUTU WAS SPECIAL GUEST OF HONOUR
Popular Iperu born businessman, Sir (Dr.) Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, was the Special Guest of Honour. Popularly called Baba Ijebu, his Lotto business venture has brought hope to the hopless and great succour to the needy in society. He couldn’t make it but sent a worthy representative, another great Iperu businessman to represent him. Baba Ijebu donated N20 million to the festival.
BALOGUN FAMILIES & HORSE RIDERS DISPLAY @ OJUDE OBA
The high point of the celebration was the Equestrian Display by members of the Balogun families and Horse Riders (Eleshin). After the march past by the various age grade groups (Regberegbe) the Baloguns and their family members rode into the Pavillion to display their horses.
Chief Alhaji Agboola Alausa is the current Balogun of Ijebu-Ode. Before him, there has been 8 past Balogun of Ijebuland. The 1st Balogun is Balogun Onafowokan Otubu. He died in 1890.
The 2nd is Balogun Odueyungbo Bello Kuku (1890-1907), Balogun Abass Odejayi (1908-1915) is the 3rd. Balogun Adeyemi Sarumi (1916-1925) is the 4th. There was also Balogun S.F. Adesoye (1951-1961). He is the 5th. There was also Balogun J.A. Alatishe (1962-1995) who was the 6th. There was Balogun M.O. Shote (1996-2001) who was the 7th and Chief Alhaji J.A.B. Odunuga (2002-2016) who was the 8th. Chief Alade Shote is the current Otun Balogun of Ijebu-Ode. The current Balogun is Chief (Alhaji) Agboola Alausa. The position of Osi Balogun of Ijebu-Ode is free.
WHAT AWUJALE & ALAAFIN HAVE IN COMMON
Many don’t know that the Awujale of Ijebuland and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi are very, very close. The have been close for decades. Not many even know the extent of their closeness. We can tell you. Whenever they call each other, they will laugh and chat excitedly and both exchange ideas. That is why, when the Awujale invited the Alaafin to attend the 2019 Ojude Oba, the Alaafin did not hesitate to accept the invitation. In his 2 page letter to the Awujale, the Alaafin eulogised Oba Sikiru Adetona. Both wear similar Filla Abeti Aja. Alaafin is well known for his Abeti Aja cap. So also the Awujale. Both are tough Kings. Both have no nonsense personalities.
WHY MIKE ADENUGA IS CLOSE TO THE AWUJALE
Many don’t know why Otunba Mike Adenuga and the Awujale of Ijebuland are close. Many don’t know why Adenuga, who is from Ijebu-Igbo will continue to support activities in Ijebu-Ode. We can tell you why. Its because of his relationship with the Awujale. They are cousins. Kabiyeesi Awujale’s mum and Mike Adenuga’s mum are sisters. Although Mike Adenuga’s dad is from Ijebu-Igbo, his mum is from Ijebu-Ode. So, Adenuga believes he needs to continue to support “Baba Awujale”. That is what he calls him.
AWUJALE AGE GRADE GROUP HAS ONLY 8 MEMBERS
When Egbe Mafowoku Ijebu, popularly called Egbe Oba, started many years back (about 60 years ago) there were many members who started the age grade group along with Kabiyeesi. Many of them have since passed on. Many of them are now very old. They are in their 80s. Kabiyeesi Awujale is 85. There are just about 8 members remaining.
They don’t have a Giwa now. Only a few months back the Giwa, Mafowoku Ijebu HRH Oba Shafi Sule passed on to greater heights. So the sit is vacant. His Otun, Sen. Olabiyi Durojaiye has taken over in an acting capacity.
The 8 members are Oba Adetona (Patron), Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye (Otun Giwa) Otunba Gbuyi Osibogun, Mr. Folarin Ajidagba, Chief (Prof.) Abiodun Soyanwo (Chief Whip), Chief O.B. Okuboyejo, (Treasurer), Omoba Sam Ogundogba (Financial Secretary) and Chief Idowu Oshifodunrin (Akowe Egbe).
WHY TECHLUM (SOYE) WAS ABSENT AT OJUDE OBA
Popular Ijebu businessman, Chief Adegboyega Adesoye and his beautiful wife, Sade Adesoye could not make this years event. They were in Mecca for the Hajj.
TECHLUM (SOYE) OPENS NEW EVENT CENTRE
Have you heard that a new and classy event centre has been opened in Ijebu-Ode? It is owned by Chief Adegboyega Adesoye, the CEO of Techlum Nigeria (Limited). It is a 2,500 capacity hall he built in the heart of Ijebu-Ode in honour of his late father, Balogun S.F. Adesoye.
Techlum is a big manufacturing company that has a coating plant. It produces kitchen utensils, IPVC factory. It has factories in Ibadan, Akure, Ilorin and Ogun State.
13 IJEBU TOWNS WAITING FOR KINGS
Do you know that there are 13 Ijebu towns with no Kings? We can tell you that for free. These towns have not had Obas for years. They are Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Onipe of Ibu Arijah, Liken of Iwopin, Ayanta of Odoyanta, Sepenuwa of Ogbere, Olokin of Ojomu, Ijebu-Igbo; Osobia of Makun-Omi, Lipa of Molipa; Bajeroku of Oke Agbo, Lenuwa of Ode-Omi, Obelu of Esure, Olu of Odosenlu-Alaro and Onisin of Ilusin.
AND OGD LOOKED STUNNING
Former Ogun Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel looked handsome in his Agbada when he stepped out of his Black Mecedes Benz limousine. He wore the same aso-ebi along with his age grade members of Egbe Bobakeye Akile Ijebu. He wore a gold studded black shoe that shown like a million stars. He dazzled everyone once he came down, he went to greet all his age-grade members where they were seated before he went to greet members of the 2 other Regberegbe that he is their Baba Egbe.
After that, he went upstage to sit with the Awujale. He is one of those personalities who can’t afford to miss the Ojude-Oba because of his pivotal role. He is Awujale’s special Otunba. He is the Otunba Obalofin of Ijebuland. He is the Balogun, Egbe Bobakeye Akile Ijebu. He is also the Baba Egbe Jagunmolu Obinrin (stainless) Akile Ijebu and Baba Egbe Tobalse Obinrin (Obalofin), Akile Ijebu.
He didn’t come with his wife, Yeye Olufunke Daniel. She is the Yeye Otunba Obalofin of Ijebuland.
OLORI AWUJALE LOOKED STYLISH
One celebrity woman who sat down quietly beside the Awujale of Ijebuland was his wife, Olori Kemi Adetona. She is a stylish woman. She is pretty and blessed with a full figure. She is always with Kabiyeesi. She is Kabiyeesi’s favourite Oloori.
And she has a place of pride in Kabiyeesi’s heart. That is why she gets whatever she wants easily from Kabiyeesi. Everyone knows Kabiyeesi has a soft spot for her. She was seen playing with her grand child before the event commenced. She is a grandma.
AREMO OLUSEGUN OSOBA CAME
Former Ogun Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba stormed the event looking dapper. When he arrived, his 2 core loyalists – Chief Adesegun and Senator Gbenga Kaka, went to meet him to usher him into the Pavillion grounds. Adesegun, who was ex-Governor Amosun’s Deputy Governor in his 1st term as Governor, was Aremo Osoba’s Commissioner. Senator Gbenga Kaka was Osoba’s Deputy, when he was Governor. Kaka has since been a Senator .
Aremo Osoba and the Awujale have been very, very close for decades. And when he became Governor they became closer. So close were they that Awujale gave him the reverred title Aremo, a traditional title which is usually given to 1st sons.
Osoba wrapped around his body, this rich brown, aso-oke only high chiefs wear. His pretty wife Beere Derinsola couldn’t make it. She is also Awujale’s Chief.
ABOUT OTUNBA MIKE ADENUGA’S SPECIAL TITLE
Not many people know that Otunba Mike Adenuga holds a very special title in Ijebuland. He does. He ranks high in the Council of Otunbas of Ijebuland. In the Royal Court of the Awujale, he is No 1 on the list. He is one of Awujale’s Otunbas. He is Otunba Apesin of Ijebuland. It is a special title comferred on him by the Awujale, many years ago.
WHEN WILL AWUJALE APPOINT NEW OTUNBAS?
Many Ijebu Big Boys & Ladies would do anything to be made Awujale’s Otunba. It brings about Respect and Class. It is a thing of honour to be an Otunba. There are 51 so far. The last set of Otunba is made up of the following people: Otunba Adegboyega Alatishe, the Ijebu-Ode businessman. He is the Otunba Badero. Otunba Adesanya Yusuf is Otunba Bobaseilu. Otunba Adegboyega Adesoye is Otunba Gbaderogun whilst his wife, Folashade is Yeye Otunba Gbadarogun.
Many rich and accomplished Ijebu Big Boys and Ladies are eagerly awaiting when the next set will be made.
ABOUT THE 3 ASHIRU BROTHERS & AWUJALE
The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona likes the 3 Ashiru Brothers a lot. He has said it times without number. Of course he made 4 of them Otunbas, a few years back, unfortunately one of them, the Ambassador, Gbenga Ashiru passed on a few years ago. But there are 3 of them who belong to the Council of Otunbas of Ijebuland. One of them is Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ashiru and Otunba Bimbola Shiru who served as a 2-term Commissioner under ex-Gov. Amosun. Both Prof. Toyin Ashiru and Otunba Bimbo were at Ojude Oba. Prof. Toyin Ashiru was one of the judges who picked winners among the Regberegbes.
ABOUT HON. & PRINCESS ADEMORIN ALIU KUYE
One couple to watch in Ijebu right now is Hon. & Princess Ademorin Aliu Kuye. The husband is the Baba Egbe of Obayori Akile Ijebu (Kuye). We would tell you more about him soon.
OLOROGUN (DR.) SONNY KUKU DAZZLED @ OJUDE OBA
Every year, Chief (Dr.) Sonny Kuku usually dazzles at Ojude-Oba Festival for so many reasons. He is from the illustrious Kuku family in Ijebu. He is from the Balogun Odueyungbo Bello Kuku dynasty. He is from the horse-riding family.
He not only rides horses, he keeps a stable of healthy horses in Ijebu. He is the acting Chairman of The Council of Awujale Chiefs. Every year he leads the Kuku family on horse back to pay homage to Kabiyeesi. He is the Oloriebi of the Kuku family. He has a peculiar way of tilting his cap to the back on his head.
WHY SENATOR PEPPER SUPPORTS OJUDE-OBA
Lagos East Senator, Sen. Sikiru Adebayo Osinowo (popularly called Pepper) is an Ijebu Boy to the core. He who has done well in Lagos. He is a grassroot politician. Many don’t know this. His dad is late Alhaji R.O. Osinowo. Despite the fact that he is doing well in Lagos, he has not forgotten his Ijebu roots, which explains why he supports Ojude-Oba festival annually.
ABOUT GIWA SURAJU LASISI & HIS PRETTY WIFE
One couple that stands out year in, year out is Giwa Alhaji Suraju Lasisi and his pretty wife. They are both stylish. Alhaji Lasisi is the Giwa Egbe Obayori Okunrin Kuye Akile Ijebu.
GOV. DAPO ABIODUN’S NEW LOOK
Its no longer news that Gov. Dapo Abiodun dresses well. He does. He looked dapper in his white agbada with damask linning and damask cap to match. He came with his wife and cabinet members including Permanent Secretaries.
EGBE TOBALASE (OBINRIN) OBALOFIN CELEBRATED 5TH ANNIVERSARY AFTER THE PARADE
Egbe Tobalase Obinrin (Obalofin) made up of very pretty accomplished ladies had a big party after they finished from the parade. They celebrated their event at the new Odutola Even Centre. They were cladded in Green Iro & Buba with Gele to match.
HON. LADI ADEBUTU STORMS OJUDE OBA
One of the high points of this years Ojude Oba was when former Ogun Federal Lawmaker, Hon. Ladi Adebutu stormed the event. He has not been attending parties, like before, since he dropped off the scene after the governorship race. He came in the same Aso-Ebi of his age grade group and he danced with them to pay homage to the Awujale. He is back to his piggery business. He owns the biggest Pig farm in West Africa.
GIWA DEJI OSIBOGUN DAZZLED @ THE PARADE
Giwa Deji Osibogun is the Giwa of Egbe Bobagbimo Akile Ijebu. They all looked colouful in their agbada. He danced ahead of the group and because he is tall, he towered above them, leading the colourful group.
MUSILIU HARUNA ISHOLA HELD EVERYONE SPELL BOUND
Apala Music Star, Musiliu Haruna-Ishola was the artiste that thrilled guests and the various Egbes. He performed well. He came prepared with a good composition of songs. He had a song for all the Egbes and family members who danced past his stage. He knew the song to sing for each personality or family in Ijebu dialect. He composed songs for the Awujale and Gov. Dapo Abiodun. He proved to everyone there that he is a good composer, as he incorporated trending Hip-Hop songs & beat into his old songs and all the women went wild. Being an Ijebu indigene himself made it easy for him. He knew what type of local Ijebu flavoured songs to sing that will excite the crowd.
IYALODE STAINLESS IS BACK!
Before 2019 Ojude-Oba, many felt Alhaja Hamidalat Sanni, the Iyalode of Egbe Jagunmolu Obinrin (Stainless) might not be able to attend because she has been in the U.S. for months. But she made it. She led her age-grade group to go and pay homage to the Awujale.
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