I had heard about Ojude Oba for years, but this year was my first time attending. I knew I was from the Kalejaiye family – my father often told me that it means “born to enjoy life.” It is a name that speaks of abundance, celebration, and embracing the good things life has to offer. Standing in the middle of Ojude Oba for the first time, I finally felt like I understood what that meant.
The first thing that caught my attention was the elegance. Everywhere I looked, there was colour, confidence, and beauty. Families arrived dressed in coordinated outfits, each group trying to outshine the next without saying a word. The women, especially, struck me. Their attire seemed carefully chosen down to the smallest detail, beautiful fabrics, matching headgear, jewellery, and smiles that made the entire festival feel alive. It was impossible not to stop and stare.
What fascinated me most was how people carried themselves. The festival was crowded, but there was a sense of pride that connected everyone. Some came to represent their family, some came for tradition, and others simply came to witness the spectacle. As someone attending for the first time, I found myself moving from one section to another, trying not to miss anything. Every few minutes, there was another procession, another group photo, another display of culture that demanded attention.
By midday, however, I began to feel the reality of the crowd. The crowd keeps increasing, and that unsettles me. I had been on my feet for hours. Everywhere I turned, there were people. Finding a place to sit became almost impossible. It was one of the few moments when the excitement gave way to fatigue. I remember thinking that if the festival continues to attract more visitors each year, there will need to be a bigger space and better facilities for attendees.
Still, I was impressed. For someone attending Ojude Oba for the first time, it felt like more than a festival. It felt like a gathering where culture, identity, and family pride came together in one place. The crowds were overwhelming, but they were also proof of the festival’s importance. People would not travel from far and wide if it did not mean something to them.
One thought stayed with me throughout – Ojude Oba is growing, and that growth is exciting to witness. With better planning and more space, it can become even greater. But what I will remember most from my first experience is not the crowd or the exhaustion. It is the sight of families proudly celebrating who they are, dressed in their finest, reminding everyone why traditions like this continue to endure.
As narrated by: Timilehin Olawale Kalejaiye (Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria).
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