Glamour meets tradition at 2025 Ojude Oba festival

The 2025 edition of the Ojude Oba Festival was a breathtaking display of culture, elegance and pageantry, as tradition met contemporary style in dazzling fashion. This year’s edition stood out for several reasons. One of the most captivating moments was the regal arrival of female equestrians (horsewomen) clad in exquisitely tailored traditional attire, with their horses adorned to match. Their presence was not only symbolic but also historic, adding a new dimension to a space long dominated by men and reinforcing the festival’s evolving inclusivity. Adding to the spectacle were celebrities such as Tayo Odueke (Sikirat Sindodo), Eniola Badmus, and Tomike Adeoye, who brought their star power to the event. Yet another noteworthy highlight was the vibrant participation of the youth, whose energy, creativity, and cultural pride were evident in everything from performances to social media engagement. Many age-grade groups saw a fresh wave of young members championing the values of unity, identity, and tradition in refreshing ways. Saturday Beats takes a look at some of the most fashionable moments at the event

Egbe Arobayo Obirin

Commanding attention amidst a flurry of paparazzi, the women of Egbe Arobayo Obirin arrived in stunning pink iro and buba attire. They elevated their looks with matching head-tie (gele), blue handbags, and coordinated blue-and-silver jewellery. A beaded pink and gold hand fan completed the look, adding a luxurious touch. Their confident dance entrance was colourful and captivating.

Egbe Tobalase Obinrin

The women of Egbe Tobalase Obinrin embraced a minimalist aesthetic with a splash of lemon. The unique colour accent came through in their lemon-toned beaded necklaces and custom-designed hand fans. Their handbags, made from the same fabric as their gele, added an extra layer of cohesion to their elegant presentation. It was simple yet striking.

Iya Egbe Obaneye Obinrin

This group made a striking entrance in beige and orange attire, a combination that beautifully complemented their brown skin. Their choice of white coral beads and coordinated hand fans gave their look a regal and timeless charm. It was a graceful, high-fashion take on traditional wear that was hard to ignore.

Female horse riders

Perhaps one of the most talked-about moments came from the Balogun Otubu descendants, who featured female horse riders alongside their male counterparts. Dressed in flowing green and yellow capes with hoods, these women exuded power and poise. A standout moment was the entrance of a female rider whose bold appearance drew much attention. Another notable rider from the Awujale ruling house, Princess Adesile, looked every bit the part in a blue and yellow regal ensemble, complete with a matching cap and gloves.

Modern fashion statements

Beyond the coordinated groups, the festival also saw younger attendees redefining traditional fashion. Bold gele styles, high-fashion twists, and a blend of traditional wear with modern pieces, such as heeled boots, signalled a generational shift in the expression of style.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).