The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, was absent from the 2025 edition of the Ojude Oba Festival on Sunday due to health reasons, the event’s coordinator, Dr. Fassy Yusuff, has confirmed.
Speaking to journalists in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Dr. Yusuff explained that the 91-year-old monarch was recuperating at home after being discharged from a Lagos hospital last Thursday, where he had been admitted for treatment two weeks earlier.
His absence from the iconic festival sparked widespread concern among attendees, as the monarch is traditionally the central figure at the event, receiving homage from guests, regberegbe age groups, and dignitaries.
Thousands of festivalgoers and tourists were stunned by the conspicuous absence of the revered royal, who has for decades presided over the celebration, widely regarded as a cultural showpiece of the Ijebu people.
Representing the monarch at the event was his wife, Olori Kemi Adetona.
Dr. Yusuff, a former Commissioner for Information and the festival’s coordinator, reassured the public that there was no cause for alarm.
“Awujale was hospitalised in Lagos two weeks ago, but was discharged on Thursday. He is now recuperating at home. A normal situation. Nothing to worry about,” Yusuff stated in a message to our correspondent.
The statement appears to allay fears and dismiss speculation surrounding the ruler’s health, which had swirled following his absence.
Despite the monarch’s nonattendance, the 2025 Ojude Oba Festival went ahead in its full cultural splendour, drawing thousands from across Nigeria and the diaspora to celebrate Ijebu heritage, horse parades, fashion, and tradition.
Oba Adetona, who ascended the throne in 1960, remains one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning traditional rulers and a highly respected figure in Yoruba land.
