Governor Dapo Abiodun faces backlash over politicising Ojude Oba 2025, allegedly usurping traditional roles in the absence of Awujale
Ojude Oba 2025 controversy erupted as Governor Dapo Abiodun turned the revered cultural event into what critics called a personal political parade.
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Traditionally, the Ojude Oba Festival is a deeply spiritual and cultural gathering where Ijebu people pay homage to the Awujale of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona; an annual tradition dating back over 150 years.
This year, however, the festival was held without the presence of the Awujale due to reported health concerns.
In his absence, custom dictates that senior traditional chiefs, including respected members of the Awujale’s court or the Balogun families, receive homage from the Regberegbe age-grade groups on the monarch’s behalf.
This long-standing norm was subverted when Governor Abiodun positioned himself as the centre of attention, receiving homage and basking in photo opportunities meant for traditional custodians of Ijebu heritage.
The situation sparked outrage across Ijebu land, as many viewed it as an affront to their revered institution.
The governor, a prince from Iperu Remo; not Ijebu, was accused of desecrating Ijebu cultural values by usurping roles traditionally reserved for monarchs.
While his presence was expected as the political leader of the state, his conduct was seen by many as crossing the line.
“The Ojude Oba is not an Ojude Governor. You may be the state’s executive, but tradition has its own order and its own keepers,” said a senior cultural figure who witnessed the homage proceedings.
“Balogun Kuku and other royal representatives were present. The governor was meant to observe, not interfere.”
Observers noted that even the Awujale’s wife was present, further confirming the symbolic presence of the throne.
Political analysts and culture advocates have since criticised the governor’s actions as a calculated attempt to reframe the festival for political gain ahead of the 2027 elections.
Adding to the tension, this year’s celebration saw the unexplained removal of Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) as Chairman of the Ojude Oba Planning Committee, fuelling speculations of internal power plays and political realignment in Ogun politics.
While some argue that the governor naturally drew attention due to his office, cultural custodians insist that Ojude Oba’s sanctity lies in honouring tradition, not office.
As the dust settles, the 2025 edition will be remembered not just for the absence of the Awujale, but for the controversy that questioned the balance between political presence and cultural preservation.
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Culture is not a political prop; it is a legacy meant to be respected and passed down without interference from political ambition.
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.
