The drums thundered, the horses pranced, and the vibrant regberegbe age-grade groups paraded in their signature aso-oke and coral beads at the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode.
Yet beneath the colourful spectacle of one of Yorubaland’s most iconic cultural celebrations, a quieter but more revealing drama unfolded, one that has sent ripples through Ogun State’s political landscape and raised fresh questions about the APC’s choices ahead of 2027.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, fresh from his controversial victory in the Ogun East senatorial primary, arrived with all the trappings of state power. He occupied the main VIP pavilion.
On paper and in official optics, he appeared to carry the day. But among the Ijebu people whose support he now seeks as their senatorial candidate, the mood on the ground painted a very different picture.
The forced handshake and the silent treatment
Eyewitnesses and viral clips circulating among festival-goers captured a governor seemingly working hard to connect with the crowd.
In several instances, attendees who did not readily offer the customary greetings reportedly prompted Abiodun to move closer and initiate interactions himself, creating photo opportunities that appeared more obligatory than spontaneous.
“I also thank the members of my party for endorsing me as the APC senatorial candidate…” the governor began during one address, only for the microphone to cut off abruptly.
The moment was quickly seized upon by critics and widely mocked online, with many describing it as another “on eleyi of Ogun State” moment, a pointed reference to a title that failed to generate the enthusiasm its promoters had hoped for.
The deeper political wound, however, appeared to come from his donation to the regberegbe groups.
Governor Abiodun was reportedly said to have given ₦100,000 to each group. Rather than generating appreciation, the gesture sparked murmurs of dissatisfaction.
Many Ijebus reportedly viewed the amount as dismissive and out of touch, interpreting it as an indication that the governor believed he did not need their goodwill after securing the party ticket.
In a cultural setting where respect, reciprocity, and genuine engagement carry significant weight, what may have been intended as goodwill was widely perceived as a political misstep.
Two winners, one message
The festival ultimately presented a tale of two political heavyweights.
Governor Dapo Abiodun dominated the structures of power, logistics, protocol, and official recognition. As the incumbent governor wielding state machinery, he controlled the VIP space and the official narrative.
Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the incumbent Senator representing Ogun East and former governor of Ogun State, appeared to command something far more difficult to manufacture: genuine public affection.
His arrival and presence reportedly generated spontaneous excitement and visible warmth from attendees.
Despite been advised to withdraw from the primary race over concerns about intimidation and the safety of his supporters, many of whom were allegedly confined indoors on the day of the exercise, Daniel’s standing within Ijebu political and cultural circles appeared largely intact.
The contrast was difficult to ignore.
While Abiodun secured an overwhelming victory in the primary on paper, reportedly polling more than 75,000 votes against Daniel’s 398, Ojude Oba appeared to expose the limits of institutional triumph when it is not accompanied by grassroots warmth and public goodwill.
A warning signal for 2027
For many political observers within and outside the APC, the festival was more than a cultural celebration.
It served as an informal but powerful barometer of political sentiment in Ogun East, particularly among the influential Ijebu bloc.
Sources familiar with internal party discussions suggest there is growing concern that fielding the outgoing governor Abiodun as the APC’s senatorial candidate could pose challenges not only for his own political ambitions but also for President Bola Tinubu’s broader electoral calculations in the South-West.
The Ijebus, renowned for their political sophistication and independent-mindedness, appear to be sending a clear message: control of party structures does not automatically translate into popular affection.
“This is a message to the national leadership,” one party chieftain reportedly remarked in private.
“If the ticket remains unchanged without addressing these sentiments, the party could be handing valuable ammunition to the opposition.”
As the dust settles on Ojude Oba 2026, the festival has once again demonstrated its dual significance: a grand celebration of Yoruba heritage and a subtle yet influential measure of political relevance.
Governor Abiodun may possess the structure. Otunba Gbenga Daniel appears to retain the emotional connection with many within the Ijebu community.
In the unforgiving arena of Nigerian politics, particularly in culturally conscious Ogun East, the latter may ultimately prove the more decisive asset.
The road to 2027 just became louder, and the Ijebus may have delivered their verdict in the language they know best: through their presence, their silence, and their unmistakable message.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
