Group frowns at appointment of Sen. Olamilekan Adeola as 2025 Ojude Oba Festival chairman
By Editor
IJEBU Lokan Fun Itesiwaju Ijebu movement has expressesed strong reservations about the recent appointment by the Ojude Oba Organizing Committee of Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) to chair Ojude Oba Festival 2025, saying this decision not only disrespects our cultural heritage but also undermines the very essence of Ojude Oba Festival, an event that embodies the spirit, pride, and dignity of the Ijebu people. Ojude Oba Festival 2025 holds Sunday, June 8.
A statement signed by the Head of Information Management Team of Ijebu Lokan Fun Itesiwaju Ijebu, Comrade Bode Mebude said, “At the heart of our grievance lies the historical context of Ojude Oba Festival itself. Instituted as a celebration of our culture, it stands as a symbol of unity, pride, and identity for the Ijebu people. His Royal Majesty, Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has ensured that this event resonates deeply with our traditions and values. Appointing someone who does not originate from Ijebuland, like Senator Adeola, represents a dilution of our shared history. It conveys to the world that Ijebu culture can be commandeered by outsiders who lack a genuine connection with our people and traditions. This is not merely a trivial matter; it signals a troubling trend wherein our sacred practices are subjected to political opportunism.
“Ojude Oba Festival is sacred, rooted in the cultural fabric of our community. It encapsulates our communal struggles, achievements, and aspirations. Appointing Senator Adeola as chairman is tantamount to reducing a pillar of Ijebu identity to a mere political appointment, undermining the festival’s sanctity. The strong historical narrative attached to the festival functions not only as a celebration but also as an educational moment for younger generations, teaching them the values and importance of their heritage. Perpetuating any semblance of political gamesmanship in such a revered event threatens to erode the cultural sanctity that the festival has maintained over the years.
“In a world increasingly beset by political tokenism, the choice of Senator Adeola is emblematic of the very issues we seek to rectify within our society. It sends a dangerous message that Ijebu cultural celebrations can serve as platforms for politicians seeking favour irrespective of their affiliations or contributions to the Ijebu narrative. This is not merely a local issue; it has broader implications on how cultural identities are represented and respected on the national stage. The Ijebu Lokan Movement decries any insinuation that our cultural events can be employed for political convenience, and we firmly stand against this encroachment upon our traditional values.
Colourful cultural fashion runway is part of the attraction of Ojude Oba Festival among the Ijebu people of Nigeria
“In our condemnation of this appointment, we urge the Ojude Oba Organizing Committee to undergo a profound reflection on the decision. The principles of our traditions should form the bedrock of our cultural celebrations. It is critical that the committee re-evaluates the appointment, ensuring it aligns with the foundational values of equity and cultural preservation that our Kabiyesi has continually preached. Such a course correction should not only aim to honour our past but also safeguard our future, enabling us to celebrate our identity in its truest form.
“Ijebu Lokan Movement stands resolutely committed to preserving the dignity, equity, and truth inherent in Ijebu culture. We emphasize our ability to conduct our affairs free from external influences. The legacy of Ojude Oba Festival, and the cultural identity of the Ijebu people, must be protected from dilution by unconnected political personas. We remain vigilant against any attempts to undermine our identity or the sanctity of our cultural institutions.
“We assert that the decision to appoint Sen. Adeola as Chairman of Ojude Oba Festival is fundamentally flawed and fails to respect the traditions and sentiments of the Ijebu people. We demand an immediate review and reversal of this unfortunate decision, restoring faith in the core values we hold dear.”
