The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has approved the cancellation of the 2021 edition of the annual Ojude Oba festival of Ijebu Ode.

A statement issued by the coordinator of the festival, Chief (Dr.) Fassy Yusuf, said the cancellation was attributed to the prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic, its likely upsurge with the Delta variant and the negligible number of people that had taken the anti-COVID 19 vaccine.

Rather than expose peoples who would converge on Ijebu Ode from all over the world to participate in the festival, with its parade of traditional age groups and the spectacular displays. the traditional ruler directed that the 2021 edition be cancelled.

This is the second time that the festival that unites Muslims, Christians, and adherents of other faiths will be cancelled. The Ojude Oba Festival is normally held two days after the Eid-el Kabir festival

In his message to the Ijebu people on the occasion of the Eid-el Kabir, the Awujale thanked his subjects for the peace, progress, and tranquility pervading Ijebuland. He prayed for additional economic and social prosperity within Ijebuland and charged his people to remain resolute and be optimistic that sooner than later, Ijebu state would become a reality.

Oba Adetona further charged his people and visitors to Ijebuland during and after the festival to ensure they wear their nose masks, wash their hands regularly with soap, keep social and physical distances at public places, get vaccinated against the pandemic, and adhere to other medical protocols as directed by the federal, state, and local government authorities.

Chief Yusuf disclosed that while the traditional ruler regretted that COVID-19 would not allow him to host his usual guests and visitors, he assures all that he is in high spirit and will be celebrating the Eid-el Kabir with his family and very few others as dictated by medical protocols.

Oba Adetona prayed for the return of peace and prosperity to all troubled areas of our great and beloved country, Nigeria.