Yemisi Izuora MTN
Rite Foods Limited, has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Ijebu-land through its sponsorship of the forthcoming 2026 Ojude Oba Festival.
Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most iconic cultural festivals, Ojude Oba represents unity, heritage, and communal pride among the people of Ijebu-land, a tradition that has thrived for well over a century.
This year’s edition, themed “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona,” pays tribute to the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona (GCON), the revered Awujale of Ijebu-land and the longest-reigning monarch in the kingdom’s history. The festival honours his remarkable leadership, enduring legacy, and immense contributions to the cultural and socio-economic development of Ijebu-land and Nigeria as a whole.
As a proudly Nigerian and world-class company with deep roots in Ijebu-land through its operations in Ososa, Rite Foods says its continued support towards the festival reflects its belief in growing alongside its host communities while preserving their culture, traditions, and values.
Speaking during the press conference to announce the festival details, the Brand Manager for Fearless Energy Drink, Olaniyi Aderuku, noted that the company’s connection to Ijebu-land goes far beyond business.
“At Rite Foods, we believe our role extends beyond operating within a community. We must grow with the people, celebrate their identity, and contribute meaningfully to preserving their heritage,” he said.
He further explained that the partnership between Fearless Energy Drink and Ojude Oba aligns naturally with the brand’s core identity.
“As Nigeria’s number one energy drink, Fearless has always stood for courage, self-expression, ambition, and the confidence to push boundaries. That is why our association with Ojude Oba feels authentic to us. The festival itself embodies fearlessness through its rich culture, fashion, horsemanship, creativity, and the pride of a people who continue to preserve their heritage while embracing the future,” Aderuku added.
According to him, Rite Foods has remained a proud and consistent partner of the Ojude Oba Festival over the years, creating memorable experiences for consumers through its award-winning brands and engaging activations.
“This year will be no different,” he said. “Participants and guests will enjoy our wide range of products, including the 13 flavours of Bigi Carbonated Soft Drinks, Bigi Premium Drinking Water, Sosa Fruit Drink, Fearless Energy Drink, as well as our delicious Bigi Flex, Rite Spicy, and Bigi Beef Sausages.”
Aderuku also reaffirmed the company’s broader commitment to community development and cultural preservation.
“We are not only investing in world-class facilities and technology; we are equally investing in people, culture, and community. As a proudly Nigerian company, we remain deeply connected to our roots and proud of our strong ties to Ijebu-land,” he stated.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Ojude Oba Festival Organising Committee, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, described the festival as a powerful symbol of religious harmony, peaceful coexistence, and communal unity values that continue to define the Ijebu people.
He noted that this year’s festival would not only celebrate culture and tradition but would also honour the extraordinary legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona, whose reign left an indelible mark on the history of Ijebu-land.
Prof. Yusuf also unveiled the official festival logo and highlighted some of the major attractions expected at this year’s celebration, including the colourful procession of the regberegbe age-grade groups a longstanding institution that promotes social cohesion, communal development, and cultural preservation among the Ijebu people.
The festival will also feature the highly anticipated equestrian parade by 25 distinguished families of warlords and warrior lineages, celebrated for their historic role in defending the Ijebu kingdom before colonial annexation.
Commending the organisers and sponsors of the festival, the Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Oluwasesan Fagbayi, who represented Governor Dapo Abiodun, described Ojude Oba as much more than a cultural celebration.
According to him, the festival has evolved into a major platform for tourism, economic growth, social inclusion, and cultural pride, while also serving as a symbol of unity and resilience for the people of Ogun State and Nigeria at large. He added that the state government remains committed to providing an enabling environment for the continued success of the festival.