Sunday, the 3rd of September gave the sons and daughters of the Ijebu decent another opportunity to come together once more for the celebration of their annual Ojude Oba festival. The sons and daughters of the land defied the early rainfall to mark their presence once again this year.The festival which is always slated for the 3rd day after the celebration of the Eid-El-Kabir celebration didn't leave me out as I was a part of it (witnessing the celebration for the first time). The event is one of the major events that allows the general public to see their Oba again. This year's event was infact most important after there was a recent rumour of the death of the over 80 year hold king HRM. Oba Sikiru Adetona who has been over 56 years on the throne after ascending the throne in the year 1960 at the age of 25 years.

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The Ijebus are one of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria known for their large influence in commerce and of cause ability to spend the money when it comes to celebrations. They are a subset of the larger main Yoruba ethnic group who are dominantly located at the south western part of the country.

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The State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and and the Awujale Of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona at the event on Sunday

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Ojude Oba literarilly means "The King's compound" and is an event which majority of the sons and daughters of the land always look forward to. The major highlights of the event consists of a parade of the sons and daughters in their various age groups called "REGBEREGBE" as well as a Theatrical horse display by the horse riding families ( this is usually the climax of the event).

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THE REGBEREGBES (Age grades) ON PARADE

Since time immemorial, the age grade system has been the focal of development and socialisation in Ijebuland and it was rejuvinated and regigged some three decades ago by the present Monarch . About 45 male and female Age grades were on parade. The first in each category (Male and female separately) were awarded a gold plated cup and cash prize, while the first and second runner ups in both categories goes home with cash prices and of cause, a bragging right for the rest of the year.

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The youngest of the age groups and newest entrants. Average age is 43 years.

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During their parade, they appear in matching attires. About two or three members go to pay homage to the king while the rest of them give their salute whichever way they could.

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The regberegbes have titles reflecting significant events and always come together to help one another in the event of any serious need for concerted joint efforts and of cause socialize when need be. With these groups, the society is further strenghtened while community projects and facilities are initiated and maintained. For example, Egbe Moradegun which was for all people born 1813-1816 referred to the passion the Ijeus had for fashion in infinite variety "Taste pleasing and popular" or Egbe Mafowoku "Never be in dearth of money", the name assumed by all born in 1845 to 1848 because prosperity reached a peak.

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My armateur video taken at the event

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Wild Jubillations as announcement of results came in

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Naturaly, in a society in which the Awujale mirrored the state of the commonwealth , most of the names of the age grades centered around the paramount ruler. For instatnce, Egbe Bobajolu "help the king maintain unity among the town people" for thse born from 1849-1953 or Egbe Gbobaniyi "Raising the king in honour" for those born fron 1857 to 1860; or Egbe Arobayo "Those who see the king and rejoice" for those born from 1873 to 1876.

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THE BALOGUNS/ELESHINS ON EQUESTRIAN PARADE

This is usually the climax of the event. More than 20 horse riding families and balogun (War general) families with the Osi Balogun, Otun Balogun and the current Balogun families taking the rear. They came in their different flags, matching outfits and was characterised by different displays with their horses as well as gunshots especially when the baloguns were on display. As a war master, i guess that would be expected. I couldn't count but I must say I heard as much as 100 different shots into the air, the first of which I was shocked but having noticed that everyone was on their seats, I knew I was safe and that was the usual practice.

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The balogun Kuku family took home the first price for the day which was provided by the major sponsors of the event, GLOBACOM NIGERIA. The telecommunication giants have been known for heavily sponsoring the Ojude Oba festival for the past few years and have made it even more glamorous. The Kuku family came in a large number with their perfectly chosen red and white clothing pleasing to the eyes amongst various displays with their horses. It was trully an enjoyable event.

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ON THE STREETS

After the main event at the mini-stadium directly opposite the Oba's palace (built purposely for this event but definitely used for indoor sporting event when not in use for it's main purpose), families go to their respective compounds and have a nice time. Moving round the town, one would see families erected their tents to receive and entertain their friends and families. In some places, it is party galore as the services of a Disk jokey had been procured for the purpose of the day.

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Majority of brands are not left out as a lot of them took advantage of the program to organise mini shows where they definitely showcase their product while entertaining the crowd. As one of the residents in the town told me, he said the event in at the mini stadium was just a tip of the main celebrations as the real ones were on the streets. I can say I saw it myself too.

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Another major feature on the street is the processing by the horse riding families. After leaving the palace, they process round the town while accompanied by members of the family. It was indeed a glamorous event all in all.

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The signature house of one of the wealthiest families in the town (Of cause this is refering to the old empire arrangements)

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In all, It was an interesting outing for me.

**Note: All unaccredited pictures were taken by me.