- Festivals are one of the most captivating cultural heritages of Nigeria
- One of them is the Ojude Oba festival which took over the social media
- TheRadar put together a list of similar festivals in the country
Nigerian festivals are more than just celebrations; they are a striking presentation of the nation's rich cultural heritage, from vibrant dances and communal showcases to gorgeous traditional costumes and food exhibitions.
Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State came bursting with colour, rhythm, and a deep sense of community, on June 18, 2024, in celebration of the Ojude Oba festival at the Oba Sikiru Adetona’s frontage.
The Director of Cultural Agencies and Heritage, Ben Anama, who represented the Minister of Culture, Arts, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, at the festival, mentioned that the yearly event is one of the country’s tourism potential and that Nigeria could use it to shift the economy from oil and create more resources.
Here are 10 captivating festivals in the country’s cultural landscape:
1. Ojude Oba festival
The Ojude Oba festival is a grand display of Ijebu traditions and is held annually in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria, showcasing a visual feast of vibrant traditional clothes and accessories worn by festival-goers.
Ojude Oba, which translates to "the king's courtyard," takes place on the third day after the Islamic festival of Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Eid al-Adha.
One of the highlights of the Ojude Oba festival is the horse-riding parades in which horse-riders showcase their horsemanship and elaborately decorated horses. The parades are a spectacle of colour, and skill, creating a lasting impression on all who experience them.
2. Eyo festival
The central feature of the Eyo festival is the Eyo masquerades, also known as the “Adamu orisa play” or "eyo orisa."
One of the most visually stunning parts of the event is the masqueraders who are clad in white flowing robes called "agbada," with white, wide-brimmed hats known as "akete." Their faces are covered with veils, and they carry staffs called "opabata." It’s a yearly festival on Lagos Island in Lagos State that celebrates the rich history and traditions of the Yoruba people. Traditional Yoruba music, rhythmic dances, and drumming accompany the Eyo masqueraders.
3. Argungu fishing festival
The Argungun festival is celebrated in the town of Argungu, Kebbi State. It features a grand fishing competition held in the Matan Fada River with thousands of fishermen, armed with large fishnets wading into the river to catch the biggest fish.
The festival also features a variety of cultural performances, including traditional wrestling, known as "kokawa," in which wrestlers dressed in traditional attire compete in matches that draw large crowds. Traditional dances, music, and drumming are also part of the celebration.
4. Ofala festival
The Ofala Festival is a traditional ceremony celebrated by the Igbo people of Nigeria, particularly among the people of Onitsha and other neighbouring communities in Anambra State.
The festival symbolises royalty, power, and authority within the Igbo traditional governance system. It reinforces the status and importance of the Obi (King) as the custodian of the community's culture and traditions.
The festival features traditional Igbo music, drumming, and dance performances. Drummers and musicians play rhythmic beats while dancers, often adorned in colourful costumes, perform intricate steps that reflect Igbo cultural expressions.
5. New Yam Festival
The Yam festival is a thanksgiving celebration to the gods and ancestors for a bountiful harvest. This festival marks the harvest of new yams, which are a staple crop and symbol of prosperity.
The highlight of the festival is the ceremonial eating of the first yam by the community leader or king, often referred to as the Igwe or Obi. The festival features vibrant traditional clothing, including colourful wrappers, beads, and headgear., traditional music, dance, and masquerades. Performers entertain the crowd with energetic dances, rhythmic drumming, and songs that celebrate the harvest and the community's traditions.
6. Calabar carnival
The Calabar Carnival, often called "Africa's Biggest Street Party," is usually accompanied by beautiful crafts, masks, and artworks that display the creativity and skill of Nigerian artisans.
The carnival spans an entire month, celebrated every December in Calabar, Cross River State with various events, including concerts, beauty pageants, and sporting activities.
7. Osun-Osogbo festival
The Osun-Osogbo Festival, held annually in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, is a vibrant and spiritually significant celebration that honours Osun, the Yoruba goddess of fertility and water.
The festival takes place in the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Site, which is a lush forest sanctuary along the banks of the Osun River, home to numerous shrines and sculptures.
A fascinating aspect of the festival is the procession led by the Arugba (a virgin girl who carries the sacrificial offerings) and the Ataoja of Osogbo (the traditional ruler). The procession moves from the palace to the sacred grove, accompanied by drumming, singing, and dancing.
8. Egungun festival
Central to the festival are the Egungun masquerades. These are costumed dancers who represent the spirits of ancestors. They wear elaborate masks, headdresses, and brightly coloured costumes made from layers of cloth.
The Egungun Festival is a vibrant and culturally significant celebration among the Yoruba people of Nigeria, particularly in Oyo State.
The Egungun masqueraders perform dramatic dances, moving rhythmically to the beats of traditional drums and Yoruba music. These performances are believed to channel the spirits and bring blessings to the community.
9. Lisabi day
The Lisabi Day Festival honours Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, a revered warrior and hero who led the Egba people to independence from the Oyo Empire.
Celebrated annually, the festival is a significant cultural and historical celebration among the Egba people in Abeokuta, Ogun State to honour the legacy and bravery of Lusabi.
10. Durbar festival
The Durbar Festival features cultural performances such as traditional dances, singing of praise songs (including "Ganuwar Kori" in Hausa), and theatrical displays that highlight historical events and legends.
The festival is a colourful and culturally rich celebration held in several cities across Northern Nigeria, including Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zaria. It originally served as a ceremonial parade to mark important Muslim festivals, particularly Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, but has evolved into a prominent cultural event.
An impressive feature of the Durbar Festival is the display of beautifully adorned horses and pageantry. Participants usually dress in traditional attire which is often adorned with embroidery, beads, and jewellery, adding to the visual spectacle of the festival.
All you need to know about Farooq Oreagba, Ojude Oba steeze man
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported an investment banker who had been maintaining a low personal profile became the star of the colourful 2024 Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The man, Farooq Oreagba, caught the attention of many with his outfit, tattoo, composure on a horse, cigar and catchy photos.