From Our Correspondent in Ijebu-Ode
Different age groups also known as “Regberegbe” have underscored the socio-economic importance of the Ojude-Oba festival to the growth and development of Ijebuland and Ogun state.
Many enthusiasts, who spoke to The NewsZenith during the celebration of the 2023 Ojude-Oba festival in Ijebu Ode on Friday in Ijebu-Ode, said that the festival has impacted the community positively.
The festival showcased the different age groups (Regberegbes) dressed in colourful attires like lace materials, Damask and ‘Aso-oke’ fabric with beautiful necklaces and beads.
The NewsZenith reports that the Regberegbes danced to the golden voice of Musiliu Ishola, the son of late Apala singer, Haruna Ishola to the royal stand to pay homage to Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
The festival also witnessed the Ijebu warriors known as the Baloguns, who announced their entry into the venue with a horse ride display and shooting of dane guns, to the admiration of guests and visitors.
Adebowale Ojuri, a former lawmaker in Ogun, said the festival has continued to project the state positively to outside world.
“The use of social media in integrating our culture has been fantastic. The use of technological innovations like drones, and live coverage have been injected into the festival.
“The festival has also paved way for economic development as buying and selling at the venue is awesome,” Ojuri said.
Otunba Adesanya Yusuf, Bobaselu of Ijebuland, said the festival has continued to engender cohesion and togetherness among the Ijebu people.
Yusuf added that the festival remained a unifying factor for all Ijebu sons and daughters.
He said the festival had improved the economy of the town, adding that it impacted positively on hawkers, food vendors and make-up artists among others.
“The festival has made us converge at home, and in the process, discuss developmental ideas for the community.
“It’s something that can not be quantified; it boosts all sectors of the economy,” Yusuf said.
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Similarly, Adebayo Monsuru, Giwa Egbe Bobagunwa Okunrin Akile Ijebu, said the essence of the festival was for all sons and daughters in different age groups, to come together to pay homage to the Awujale of Ijebuland.
Monsuru said that the age groups have contributed to the development of Ijebuland.
“Many of the Regberegbes execute projects to support the community to grow the socio-economy of Ogun State.
“The festival has largely enhanced sales in the hospitality industry, the print industry and the textile industry. The festival often takes crime off the street,” he said.
Mrs Adesola Adebogun of ‘Egbe Jagunmolu Obinrin Akile Ijebu’, described the Ojude-Oba festival as best of its kind in Nigeria.
“This festival is so good that some of us normally come from abroad to participate and celebrate our royal father. The festival has added to the growth of Ijebuland.
Also, Abiodun Oyelaja, the Otun Giwa ‘Egbe Bobamayegun Okunrin Akile Ijebu’, said many people travelled from different parts of the world to witness the festival.
“Some came to connect with their routes. It is a cultural event; it is our heritage and we believe in the festival.
“People are making sales, which really boosted the economy of Ijebuland. Whatever they make here will go a long way to sustain their families.
“All these attires we are putting on were made by indigenous tailors which is also a big business,” Oyelaja said.
An elated Mrs Oluwakemi Ango of ‘Egbe Bobamayegun Obinrin Akile Ijebu’, expressed Joy for attending this year’s Ojude-Oba festival.
Ango said that she was able to see some of her schoolmates after many years.
“We are happy that we are seeing ourselves again after leaving primary and secondary schools many years ago,” she said.
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