Ojude Oba 2014: Awujale renews call for Ijebu State

The Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona,Ogbagba II has renewed his call for the creation of Ijebu State, urging the National Assembly to expedite efforts in the actualisation of the dream.

The monarch also described the Ojude Oba festival as an act of keeping an event that has become a part and parcel of the Ijebu culture.

Awujale stated this Monday at this year Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu Ode.

The monarch expressed satisfaction with the partnership of various companies who have in the recent years added glamour to the carnival-like festival.

“I want to thank the National Conference members for their courageous step in the creation of more states in the country. We are now appealing to the federal government and the National Assembly to give effect to this recommendation and let our dream become actualized.

“Ijebuland is blessed with both human and natural resources and all these will be put together to make the much expected state become one of the fastest and envious states in the country,” Awujale posited.

In his address, the governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun felicitated with all sons and daughters of Ijebuland for this unique and world class festival.

The governor, however used the opportunity to thank the monarch, Awujale of ijebuland and other traditional and religious leaders in the state for the unalloyed support they have been giving to his administration since inception.

Adetona, Ogbagba II and the Special guest of honour, Lt.Gen. Theophilus Danjuma at the Ojude Oba festival

He disclosed that the giant stride taken by the government in the past three and half years has made the World Bank to rate the state among the best five in the country, that is, ‘business friendly state’.

“I want to give you a good news, your support and prayers since we came on board are noticed. Just last week,the World Bank announced the state as one of the business friendly states in the country.

“Ojude Oba festival remains a cultural symbol of unity for all Ijebus and it has become a world class festival. Since Ijebu people are known for business and industries, they have now set aside a day to count their blessings in the atmosphere of love and oneness.

“Here we are today, we don’t know the difference between the Muslims and the Christians. It is a unique festival and on behalf of the state government, we rejoice with our revered monarch and all sons and daughters of ijebu for this festival,” the governor said.

While speaking at the ceremony today, the Special guest of Honour, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma expressed satisfaction and happiness at the festival, which according to him has shown the love, happiness and ones see among all Ijebus.

Danjuma, who was accompanied to the event by his wife, former Senator Daisy Danjuma thanked all the people of Ijebu for the honour bestowed to him by choosing him as the special guest at the occasion. Daisy attended Adeola Odutola College in Ijebu-Ode.

“Let me say this, with what I saw today, there is love, unity, happiness and oneness on the faces of the people, this shoes that the monarch is loved by all. Awujale is the only longest surviving Obas, Emirs and Obis in this country and with that, I doff my cap for him. He accords a lot of respect and love to his subjects and this is one thing I noticed today. I wish all sons and daughters of Ijebu, happy festival”, the former Chief of Army staff stated.

This year’s festival witnessed more glamour and fanfare as the age grade groups, the Regberegbes and the horse riders families were gaily dressed in different attires.

At the end of the event, the Bobagbimo age grade came first in the male category while Tobalase came first in the female category.

The Bobagunte and Tobalase came 2nd and 3rd while Jagunmolu (stainless) and Bobakeye (double T) came second and third respectively in the female category.

Meanwhile, unlike last year, where it came first, the Balogun Kuku family was dropped to second position while Balogun Adesoye came third.

The winner of this year’s horse riding competition among the warriors (Balogun’s) is the Balogun Alatishe, who went home with a trophy and cash prize of N300,000, courtesy the major sponsor of the festival, Globacom Telecommunication.