How to Prepare for Ojude Oba 2025

It is June 2025, and Ojude Oba is almost upon us once again. Ojude Oba which losely translate in English as “The King’s Courtyard” or  “in front of the king,” is a Yoruba festival of the Ijebus, a Sub-Yoruba group mostly indigenous to Ogun State, South-West Nigeria.

This festival began as a small gathering of Muslims just days after Eid-el-Kabir over 100 years ago to pay homage to the Awujale the paramount ruler of Ijebuland. Location is usually Ijebu Ode as this is the traditional capital of  the Ijebu Kingdom.

Fast-forward to 2025 this little festival has now become a cultural statement with gallant horse parades, vibrant fashion, age-grade pageantry etc. It in fact has become a major tourism event and one of Nigeria’s most prestigious cultural festivals.

How to Prepare for Ojude Oba 2025; How Social Media Drove Ojude Oba’s Popularity.

Sometime in year 2023 AD, social media was awash with videos from the recently concluded Ojude Oba, it was beauty, horse ridding, it was pageantry and swag and gele skentele. I am not certain if this was a cordinated effort or if  individual content creators simply attended and just posted their videos.

The sudden popularity led to a bigger attendance and more content and videos around the festival in 2024. This edition gave us Mr Steez Farouk Oreagba who has now become The Global Cultural  Ambassador For Nigeria’s National Council For Arts And Culture.

Ojude Oba 2025 is bound to be the biggest yet as the buildup reaches a crescendo; seats are filled, hotels are booked out, brands are sponsoring horse riding families and horse riders for the event. The excitement is palpable with videos coming out of Ijebu-Ode.  We look forward to this beauty this year.

For anyone attending, here is how to prepare for Ojude Oba 2025.

How to Prepare for Ojude Oba 2025; Movements, clothing, and Itenary

As exciting as Ojude Oba is, it’s also a full-day event with lots of movement, people, and activity. If you want to enjoy the day without stress, here’s how to prepare for Ojude Oba 2025;

• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll walk a lot, sometimes from far-off parking areas to the venue, so wear footwear that can handle both sun and rain. Sneakers or Crocs are perfect.
• Come ready for any weather. Whether it’s a sudden downpour or intense sunshine, Ojude Oba happens rain or shine.
• Eat before you leave home. With all the walking and waiting, it’s best to be full before stepping out. Food vendors may be around, but you’ll need energy early.
• Use a waist pouch or crossbody bag. Keep your phone, wallet, and essentials close. It’s safer and easier to move around without a big bag.
• Stay close to your group. Always be within reach of the people you came with, especially your host. It helps you stay oriented and safe.
• Stick with those wearing the same outfit as you. Families and groups often wear matching Aso Ebi. Being around your people helps with identification and safety.
• Be security conscious. Keep an eye on your belongings and be alert. Don’t get too comfortable with strangers no matter how friendly they seem.
• Avoid wearing flashy jewellery or carrying expensive items. Keep it simple and smart.
• Know your exit plan. Whether you’re coming with a group or solo, know your pickup point or how to find your way home if you get tired or lost.
• Don’t get too close to the horses. They are beautiful to watch but can be unpredictable. Stay alert and admire from a safe distance.
• Watch from strategic spots. A big screen will be set up at Itoro (close to the roundabout where the Agemo statue is). It’s a good viewing point where you can watch the parades and presentations.