In his revered Volume 24 titled “Oba Oluwa Loni Dede,” the legendary Sakara singer, Yusuf Olatunji, unleashed a mesmerizing melody.
With captivating lyrics like “Ijebu ode ajagbalura, aruuru rere arere ruru, Owo nini Olohun lofi s’eke yin. Mori nkan o, kehinde o, mori nkan o. Mori nkan o, Ayinde o, mori nkan o. Mori nkan ara ni Ijebu Ode. Nijo keta Odun Ileya. Won f’esin da wonn’f Esin dara l’aafin Oba,” he painted a vivid picture of the grandeur and magnificence of the OJUDE OBA festival.
This timeless track encapsulates the essence of the festival, showcasing the rich culture, influence, and opulence of the sons and daughters of Ijebu.
The IJEBU have long been renowned for their entrepreneurial prowess, exemplified by trailblazers like Ade Odutola, Subomi Balogun, Otunba Mike Adeniyi, Oba Otudeko, and Kessington, to name a few. Their fervor for celebration is as remarkable as their drive to succeed in business.
The urbanism of the Ijebu people of old is truly captivating. From the resplendent renaissance architecture to the spirit of communalism, one cannot help but be awed by the architectural masterpieces that dot the landscape of Ijebu, remnants of the 1930s. Had this momentum been sustained, Ijebu might have become the New York or Paris of Nigeria.
An average Ijebu individual is fueled by an insatiable hunger for success, striving to leave a lasting mark. It is no surprise that those who know how to spend money also possess the wisdom to make it— should you encounter Adewale Kuku of the famed Balogun Kuku family at K1’s party, you might understand how an Ijebu person could be the live wire of a party (Dewale mi kuku fine boy// Omo kuku nii’je omo kuku nii’jebu// Owo melo loni t’on f’omo kuku sere// Iyawo melo l’ofe t’on f’omo kuku sere—K1). When it comes to revelry and exuding grandeur, the Ijebu people certainly know how to shine.
We owe a debt of gratitude to social media for adding even more vibrancy to the already dazzling OJUDE OBA FESTIVAL. Lastly, congratulations to Ayinde Ogun for his well-deserved title of “OLORI OMOBA,” a true honor.
Photo Credit: Dewunmi Lagos
