Iperu, an ancient town in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, came alive on June 18th with the annual celebration of the Ojude Oba festival. This vibrant cultural event, sponsored by Goldberg Lager, the premium beer brand from Nigeria’s foremost master brewer, Nigerian Breweries Plc, showcased the rich heritage and communal harmony of the Ijebu people.
The 2024 edition, themed “OJUDE OBA: Unity and Harmony, Our Gifts,” saw indigenes of Iperu, their friends, and associates converge at the Awujale’s palace, adorned in splendid traditional attires. From the regal sanyan and alaari to the contemporary brocades and laces, the regberegbes (peer groups) displayed a spectacular fusion of fashion and culture.
One standout figure was Farooq Oreagba, the managing director and CEO of NG Clearing Limited. Clad in a striking green and lemon agbada and sokoto ensemble, complemented by red coral beads and a crossbody gold chain, Oreagba effortlessly embodied the term “steeze” – a slang for effortless stylishness. His look quickly became a viral sensation, with netizens creating hilarious memes capturing the essence of the day.
The Ojude Oba festival, dating back to 1882, was reinvented and internationalized by His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland. This one-day extravaganza, held annually following the Eid al-Kabir celebrations, brings together over 100 esteemed Ijebu regberegbes in a grand display of homage to the monarch.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, members of the State Executive Council, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, his wife, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Chief Sunny Kuku, captains of industries, tourists, and other notable personalities. Former governor Olusegun Osoba and Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, representing the Ogun-East Senatorial district, also graced the occasion.
The grandeur and elegance of the 2024 Ojude Oba showcased the uniqueness of Yoruba culture – rich, bold, and outstanding with festivities unmatched by counterparts. This mirrors Goldberg’s ‘Made to Golden’ standard–brewing nature’s finest beer with no sugar added, distinguishing it from other beer brands.
Through its sponsorship of the Ojude Oba festival, Goldberg reaffirms its commitment to celebrating and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria. The event’s success is a testament to the brand’s dedication to fostering unity, harmony, and pride in the nation’s diverse traditions.
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