The Group Chief Executive of FCMB Group, Mr. Ladi Balogun, has described the Ojude Oba Festival as a driver of cultural celebration and economic enterprise.
Balogun noted this in his goodwill message at the grand festival held in Ijebu-Ode on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
An exhibition of the rich cultural values of the Ijebu people and Yorubas in general, the festival showcased Regberegbe age-grade groups who paraded in elegant attires, singing and dancing, all in reverence to the Awujale royalty.
It, however, attracted participants from other parts of the country and the Diaspora, including celebrities who also contributed theatrics to the spectacles at the royal pavilion.
They included Nollywood stars Eniola Badmus, Adeniyi Johnson, Mercy Aigbe, Femi Branch, Idowu Phillips aka Mama Rainbow, and Dayo Amusa. While daughter-of-the-soil waka Queen Salawa Abeni and content creator Samuel Banks were also part of the carnival, the king of steeze himself, Farooq Oreagba, stormed the pavilion with his trademark charismatic horseback entrance. The socialite, who is FCMB’s cultural ambassador, never disappointed in his commanding regalia and acclaimed candour.
According to Balogun, FCMB, which sponsored the fiesta, has been supporting it for about 20 years.
He said, “For over 20 years, FCMB has remained a committed partner of the Ojude Oba Festival. Our support amplifies a longstanding belief in the importance of preserving heritage, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth.
“Today, Ojude Oba stands as a cultural celebration and a driver of enterprise and economic activity. Its growing impact supports livelihoods, strengthens communities, and reinforces the values that will shape the future of Ijebuland.”
He saluted the Regent, Acting Awujale, Olorogun (Dr.) Sonny Folorunsho Kuku, the Ojude Oba Festival Committee, the Ijebu traditional institution, and all Ijebuland’s people, for the success of the event, which he described as a true symbol of our culture.
The GMD noted that the 2026 festival held special significance as the Ijebus honoured the legacy of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, whose passing in 2025 marked the end of one of the most consequential royal reigns in Nigeria’s history.
Balogun added, “For over six decades, Kabiyesi embodied disciplined leadership, dignity, and progress. He strengthened the traditional institution, elevated Ijebuland’s profile on the national stage, and transformed Ojude Oba into a cultural platform that promotes heritage, creativity, and economic growth.
“Beyond culture, Oba Adetona strongly believed in advancing his people. He championed education, development, unity, and responsible leadership. He understood that preserving tradition must go hand in hand with preparing future generations for opportunity and progress. That vision continues to shape Ijebuland today.”
He also acknowledged and commended the steady leadership of the Regent and Acting Awujale, Olorogun (Dr.) Sonny Folorunsho Kuku, during the important period of transition.
“His calm stewardship and dedication to continuity reflect the enduring strength and stability of the Ijebu traditional institution. Let us renew our commitment to unity, excellence, and service, values that will honour Oba Sikiru Adetona’s legacy and advance Ijebuland,” he said.
