FCMB Group Plc has reiterated its unwavering support for the Ojude Oba Festival, describing the annual celebration as a vital cultural and economic asset that strengthens social bonds, promotes heritage, and stimulates economic activities across sectors like tourism, hospitality, arts, and crafts.
Speaking to journalists in Ijebu-Ode ahead of the 2025 edition of the festival, Mr. Diran Olojo, Divisional Head of Corporate Affairs at FCMB, noted that the festival reflects the values and aspirations that align with the bank’s purpose — to connect people, capital, and markets through meaningful relationships.
“Ojude Oba reflects the type of society we’re working to build — one that values legacy, unity, and long-term prosperity,” Olojo stated. “Our support, which began nearly 25 years ago, is rooted in the vision of our late founder, Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun, who believed deeply in the role of culture in enterprise development and community advancement. That belief still drives us today.”
This year’s edition, themed “Ojude Oba: Celebrating Our Roots, Preserving Our Future,” is scheduled to take place on June 8, 2025. The festival, held annually two days after the Islamic Eid-el-Kabir celebration, brings together indigenes of Ijebuland and visitors from all over Nigeria and the diaspora for a colourful display of culture, unity, and celebration of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
Olojo emphasized that FCMB’s involvement goes beyond ceremonial sponsorship. “We see our role as helping to reinforce traditions that have real socio-economic value. Festivals like Ojude Oba generate direct and indirect benefits, creating demand across tourism, hospitality, fashion, logistics, and small-scale enterprise sectors, while preserving the cultural fabric that binds the Ijebu people together.”
As part of its continued participation, FCMB will be involved in various traditional elements of the festival, including the regberegbe parade — a colourful procession of age-grade groups — and paying homage to the Awujale, a central highlight of the event.
The Chairman of the Ojude Oba Festival Organising Committee, Chief Olu Okuboyejo, acknowledged the contributions of FCMB and other sponsors, noting that the bank’s consistency over the years has helped sustain the festival’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most prestigious and well-attended cultural gatherings.
“Corporate organisations like FCMB are helping us project the significance of Ojude Oba to national and global audiences. This year, we will witness cultural displays from 25 warrior families and various age-grade groups, reinforcing the festival’s theme of heritage preservation,” Okuboyejo said.
He added that Ojude Oba, beyond being a cultural celebration, has become a platform for showcasing religious harmony, as both Muslim and Christian communities join in the festivities in honour of the traditional ruler.
Also speaking, Ogun State’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, praised FCMB’s enduring support and highlighted the state government’s plans to boost the global profile of the festival.
“Ojude Oba is not just a celebration of culture; it’s a strategic cultural asset for economic development,” Fagbayi said. “We are working to expand its international appeal, attract investment into tourism, and create job opportunities through the value chain it supports.”
He affirmed that the government is partnering with stakeholders to ensure the 2025 edition of Ojude Oba delivers long-term value to the people of Ogun State and Nigeria at large.
With a strong focus on cultural sustainability, inclusive development, and economic empowerment, FCMB says its continued investment in festivals like Ojude Oba is part of a broader commitment to community engagement and nation-building.
“As a brand, we believe in what Ojude Oba stands for — dignity, unity, and the celebration of identity,” Olojo concluded. “It is a heritage of excellence that reflects our shared values. We remain proud partners in this journey.”
As preparations intensify, Ijebu-Ode is already witnessing a surge in commercial activity, with hotels, local businesses, artisans, and transport operators all gearing up for a festival that continues to blend tradition with economic opportunity.
