No Awujale, no problem: Ojude Oba Festival will go ahead — Prof. Fassy Yusuf

Michael Olumide

The 2026 edition of the renowned Ojude Oba Festival will go ahead as scheduled despite the current vacancy in the stool of the Awujale of Ijebu land, according to the Awujale Council of Chiefs.

The clarification was made by the Baagbimo of Ijebu and Secretary of the Awujale Council of Chiefs, Prof. (Chief) Fassy Yusuf, who firmly stated that the festival is an enduring cultural institution that does not depend on the presence of a reigning monarch.

Speaking during an interview on Eagle 102.5 FM’s Frontline, Prof. Yusuf dismissed circulating speculation that the festival may be suspended due to the transition period following the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona, stressing that Ojude Oba remains a permanent heritage of the Ijebu people.

He confirmed that the 2026 celebration is scheduled for May 28 or 29, depending on final arrangements.

“I confirm to you and to the whole world that the Ojude Oba festival is holding in May,” he said. “We are talking about institutions, not individuals.”

According to him, attempts to link the continuity of the festival strictly to the existence of a sitting Awujale reflect a misunderstanding of its historical and cultural foundation.

Prof. Yusuf noted that even in previous periods of leadership transition or absence, the festival had continued without interruption, insisting that Ojude Oba has always transcended individual reigns.

He cited historical examples, including the period following the death of Oba Robertson Adesanya Gbelegbuwa in 1959 and the interregnum before the coronation of Oba Sikiru Adetona in 1960, during which the festival still held.

He also referenced 1995, when the Awujale was reportedly ill and abroad, yet the festival proceeded under the stewardship of key traditional figures and stakeholders.

According to him, these precedents reinforce the argument that Ojude Oba is institutionally anchored rather than personality-driven.

“It is inconceivable that anybody will be clamouring for the cancellation of Ojude Oba until a new Awujale is installed,” he said.

He described calls for suspension of the festival as misguided and historically inaccurate, adding that such arguments undermine the cultural identity of the Ijebu people.

Prof. Yusuf further stated that arrangements have already been put in place through an interregnum governance structure to ensure continuity of traditional and cultural administration during the transition period.

“We have in place an Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council,” he explained. “The chairman is standing in as acting Awujale.”

He emphasized that governance structures have been activated to ensure stability, adding that nature and tradition do not allow a vacuum in leadership responsibilities.

“Nature abhors a vacuum. Somebody has to stand in,” he said.

On succession matters, he confirmed that the traditional ruling house has complied with legal requirements under the Oba and Chiefs Law, with kingmakers already engaged in the selection process for a new Awujale. However, he noted that the process is currently on hold following a government directive.

Prof. Yusuf also addressed allegations surrounding the selection process, including claims of coercion and misconduct, describing them as unverified and speculative.

“These are allegations, and they remain in the realm of speculation,” he said. “So far, nothing has been made public.”

He added that he had also been invited by the Department of State Services (DSS) for clarification in his capacity as vice chairman of the ruling house, stressing that the engagement was informational rather than accusatory.

Turning to preparations for the festival, he said committees have already been set up to handle logistics, including security, traffic management, communication, and safety, with a renewed focus on efficiency and orderliness.

“We have no excuse this time around,” he said. “When we say we are starting at 8:30, we will start.”

He further disclosed that financial management of the festival remains strictly institutional, with all transactions processed through official channels under the interregnum administrative structure.

“No cash is paid to anybody. Everything goes through the palace account,” he said.

Prof. Yusuf concluded by reaffirming that Ojude Oba remains a symbol of identity, unity, and continuity for the Ijebu people, and cannot be suspended due to royal transition.

“Even without an installed Awujale, Ojude Oba will hold,” he said. “It is about institution, identity, and continuity.”