The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona has issued a warning to the people of Ijebuland and the kingmakers to vehemently resist any attempt by money bags to impose an incapable and unqualified candidate on them as his successor after he must have joined his ancestors.

Awujale gave the warning while speaking to thousands of sons and daughters of Ijebu extraction in Ijebu – Ode at the 2019 Ojude Oba cultural festival.

It started in 1890 as Ita Oba festival which later metamorphosed into Ojude Oba festival usually held on the third day of the Muslim Eid-el-Kabir festival.

Literarily,  Ojude Oba means going to the palace ground to pay a courtesy visit to the reigning Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland.

The carnival has, however, become one that unites all Ijebus across religion divide,  both at home and diaspora; attracting tourists and people from all works of life. 

The Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona in his address to his subjects urged them to ensure the most qualified person, who can continue the tradition of love and foster unity in Ijebuland, emerge as his successor.

The revered monarch urged Ijebu sons and daughters to reject any candidate for the position of the Awujale that could set Ijebuland backward.

He 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.

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

"God will give you direction when picking my successor; ask God to guide you.

The host governor,  Dapo Abiodun said the Ojude Oba festival has grown to become one of the most popular socio-cultural events in the entire South-West region of Nigeria and indeed a global tourist attraction which showcases the cooperation and collaborative tendencies of the rich Yoruba culture.

He added that Ijebuland occupies a very important place in the development agenda of Ogun State; hence the need for collaborative efforts from all and sundry.

For the guest present,  they say the Ojude Oba festival has become a unifying factor for all Ijebus across religion divide, home and diaspora.

The high point of the event was the colourful parade by the legbe legbe's (age-grade) and the fascinating horse riding by the Balogun (warrior) families where the various horse riders showed their dexterity in horse riding.