THE Ijebu sons and daughters will miss the entertaining scene at the Ojude Oba festival this year, as the Awujale of Ijebuland, Dr Sikiru Adetona, officially cancelled 2020 edition of the festival.
The cancellation was necessitated by the need to avoid spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Baagbimo of Ijebuland and Coordinator of Annual OjudeOba Festival, Chief Fassy Yusuf, in a statement from the palace sighted by SlyNews, said: “The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona gave approval for the cancellation in deference to medical advice and as a display of sensitivity to the environment. The global festival would have held Sunday August 2, 2020, that is two days after Eid-el Kabir.
“The first class monarch, while wishing all sons and daughters of Ijebuland at home and in the diaspora the best of the season enjoined all to adhere to all COVID-19 medical protocols and be equally duplicated to almighty God for an early end of the pandemic.
He placed on record the appreciation of the monarch and the festival Organising Committee for their commendable efforts and support of the main sponsor, Globacom Limited and other sponsors including First City Monument Bank Plc (FCMB), and Rite Foods Limited, for making the festival a global event.
The statement also thanked the State Government for its assistance and partnership while hoping that subsequent editions of the festival would be characterised by peace, tranquility, good health and prosperity.
The Ojude Oba Festival, over the years, has attracted top multinationals as sponsors with culture enthusiasts attending from different parts of the world. It is one of the biggest culture fiestas in the Southwest geopolitical zone.
