The 2026 Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, blossomed into a resplendent display of culture, pageantry, and corporate reward on Friday, May 29. Main sponsor Globacom marked its 21st consecutive year of cultural stewardship by lavishing substantial cash prizes on outstanding Regberegbe (age grades) and celebrated Eleshin (horse-riding) families.
This year’s edition carried a deep emotional and historical significance, holding under the theme, “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona,” as a glowing tribute to the late Awujale of Ijebuland, whose more than six-decade reign elevated the festival into an internationally admired cultural institution.
The Cash Prize Distribution: Rewarding Excellence
The traditional competitions served as the major highlight of the festival, with groups being evaluated on their elegance, comportment, presence, and equestrian dexterity. Globacom split the awards across three main competitive brackets:
| Category | 1st Place (N750,000) | 2nd Place (N600,000) | 3rd Place (N500,000) |
| Male Age Grades (Regberegbe) | Egbe Bobakeye Okunrin Akile Ijebu | Egbe Bobagunte Okunrin Akile Ijebu | Egbe Bobamayegun Okunrin |
| Female Age Grades (Regberegbe) | Egbe Arobayo Obinrin Precious | Egbe Jagunmolu Obinrin Stainless | Egbe Bobamayegun Obinrin Aremo |
| Horse Riders (Eleshin Contest) | Balogun Kuku Family | Oreagba Family | Shoye Family |
A Living Cultural Force
In a goodwill message delivered at the festival, the Chairman of Globacom, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr., described Ojude Oba as a powerful force capable of promoting unity, tourism, economic growth, and social cohesion across generations.
He emphasized that in an era where rapid globalization threatens indigenous identities, the preservation of the festival proves that guarding local heritage is ultimately about preserving the future.
“Ojude Oba is not a fading relic of history, but a living cultural force aimed at binding our people and fostering peace, progress, and prosperity. It is civilization eloquently displayed, bringing people together across religion, class, and generation.” — Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr., Chairman of Globacom
