How Farooq Oreagba Stole Show at 2024 Ojude Oba Festival

Tosin Clegg

Ojude Oba (The King’s Forecourt) is an ancient festival celebrated by the Yoruba people of Ijebu-Ode, a major town in Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria.

This annual festival usually takes place on the third day after Eid El-Kabir (Ileya), to pay homage and show respect to the Royal Majesty, the Awujale of Ijebuland. It is one of the most spiritual and glamorous festivals celebrated in Ijebuland and generally in Ogun State as a whole.

During the course of the festivities, different cultural age groups known as regberegbe composed of indigenes, their friends, and associates far and near parade at the front courtyard of the king’s palace on the “Ileya”.

Oba Adetona was the one that brought back the age groups in the 18th century into the general acceptable phenomenon that is found among today’s Ijebus, and this has become an integral part of the yearly Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu. The reason for the age groups was to bring development and progress to the community.

At the 2023 edition of the festival, filmmaker and photographer, Niyi Fagbemi shot a one of a kind clip which showcased a bright and colourful array of attendees. This more or less reintroduced the Yoruba culture to a wider audience who complimented and praised the works of the filmmaker. As expected, the 2024 edition was one many looked out for and just like last year, this year’s highlight was released few days ago.

But what was intriguing was the very one man who became the center of attraction at the ceremony.

Right before taking the shot, Sulaiman Adebayo, known as Pooja was just in the middle, doing his work scanning with his artistic eyes for who would be worthy of offering a good content. Just as he continued, Farooq Oreagba appeared and right at that moment a shot was taken. This shot embodying every detail of class, steezw, composure, elegance and charm all rolled off into the wrap of the festival as the most talked about content. 

Oreagba’s facial looks were engaging, his tattoos showcased a daring personality, his tasteful traditional green and yellow agbada with a blend of modern style stood him out to be of class and elegance. The curiosity of who he was made him one of the trend topics on X a few days ago as many went out seeking out who he was and how he could define himself as being distinct. 

Without doubt the event always had the who is who showcase their mastery in fashion but this year, one man seemed to take all the spotlight. As we know the festival to be, each group always come out dashing, clothed with the very best of textiles, topping it up with locally made beads, accessories, geles, filas, and bespoke shoes but how this one man was able to give the perfect pose and serve the best looks is still a mystery that has earned him a toast of many who have come to show numerous encomiums. 

In September 2023, Oreagba was appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NG Clearing Limited. Since taking on this role, he has been pivotal in solidifying NG Clearing’s position as West Africa’s premier Central Counterparty (CCP), significantly contributing to the financial market infrastructure of Nigeria. He is known for his ability to drive innovation within the financial services industry. His leadership has been instrumental in fostering a customer-centric culture and achieving sustainable growth for NG Clearing.

With this pace set, the 2025 edition is out to give us a show like never before. Gradually, the Ojude Oba festival is becoming one event everyone would be looking out for and an avenue to show their taste in fashion, class and culture.