On August 13th, the population, indigenes of Ijebuland, Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State and their invited guest dressed in their colourful costumes and riding on horses, descended to the palace of the Awujale of Ijebuland to pay homage to him amidst prayers and take part in other fun-filled activities for the 2019 edition of the Ojude Oba cultural festival.

Ojude Oba means, “the king’s forecourt or frontage” in Ijebu dialect is one of the major festival in the Yoruba culture which started over a century ago and reunites all sons and daughters of Ijebuland in Nigeria and the diaspora for a carnival-like celebration of the traditional, cultural, spiritual accomplishments and other values of the Ijebu nation.

In his message to those who gather at the palace, the 81 year old monarch His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland who spoke in Yoruba, urged everyone to choose a responsible monarch and not a moneybag one following his demise and to reject any candidate for the position of the Awujale that could set Ijebuland backward.

The monarch is hailed from the Anikinaiya Ruling family and ascended the throne in 1960 at the age of 25 and is often referred to as Orisa Ijebu(God of Ijebu in Ijebu), urged his people to sustain the tempo by ensuring that the stool does not go to moneybags and advised that the process of selecting the next Awujale should not be politicised.

He stated that if the next ruling house does not present a viable candidate, the people should reject them and go for the next ruling house with capable candidate.

Over 25,000 participated in the carnival, Yoruba monarchs from around the country including His Royal Majesty Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi Alaafin of Oyo, and many others notable guests.

Oba Adetona said: “When I eventually go, please go for a capable successor. Reject any candidate that will put Ijebuland into retrogression.

“Do not politicise the process of selecting my successor. Do not go for people that will draw Ijebu backwards.

“If the next ruling house does not present a viable candidate, please reject them and go for the next ruling house with capable candidate.

“Do not go for moneybags that will destroy the achievements Ijebuland has recorded so far.

“My prayer is that Ijebuland will continue to grow from strength to strength.

“Call on God for direction when picking my successor. Ask God to guide you.”