The fanfare that greeted the celebration of the Ojude-Oba festival in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, was not surprising. The country is at a point where any distraction from the catastrophe being meted by the government is a much-welcome development. However, it would be unfair to ascribe sentimental import to the century-old tradition that celebrates the culture and heritage of the illustrious sons and daughters of Ijebuland.

The Ojude-Oba festival is one of a kind. The Ijebu indigenous people pay homage to their king with a flamboyant display of wealth and splendour. This is definitely a major shift from the scenario where a wealthy individual is afraid of going to his hometown for fear of being a victim of misfortune cast by people with mythical powers jealous of his wealth. 

Nonetheless, there is wisdom in subjects displaying their wealth before their sovereign, in this case, His Imperial Majesty Oba Akinmolaran.

Culturally, the king is preeminent over all things, the splendor demonstrated by his subject is simply an extension of his sovereignty. So, the influence and wealth of the king’s subjects, though not legally ascribed to him, can be assessed by him for whatever he would like. Perhaps the scenario of a king placing his foot on the belongings of any subject is elusive in this modern world, yet this concept is a crucial tool for community building if well harnessed. The king, by virtue of his position, is then able to mobilise resources to carry out crucial projects. 

Therefore, the development of the community need not be hinged on the shoulders of unscrupulous politicians but on a visionary and charismatic traditional ruler who is concerned for the growth of his community rather than for rebates on the sale of lands and plantations. This is an untapped driver of social change in our culturally diverse democracy.

In addition, subjects feel welcome to participate in the development of their local community. So whether prompted by the king or not, their closeness to their roots may spur acts of philanthropy. Furthermore, younger individuals are getting involved in the festival.

They form their own association and parade their emerging splendour before their sovereign. This is highly commendable, especially at a time when there is concern about the erosion of our cultural heritage from public consciousness. Getting young people involved is a sure way of sustaining the rich essence of our race.

In the words of a documentary maker, Ojude-Oba is the mother of all classic owambes. Unfortunately, this is the infancy of what the Ojude-Oba could be. Our society has had enough of the rich’s sheer demonstration of might and opulence as they maintain aristocratic order. 

What is the essence of a colourful ensemble of aso-oke, matched with exquisite adornments perfectly aligned for camera lenses, when the majority of the inhabitants of the land are safely tucked behind the scenes and in sight of the whole world? What is the essence of horse riding with great skills when roads that lead to the town and the venue of the parade are in a deplorable state? What kind of heritage is being celebrated in a land with such glaring infrastructural deficits?

Forget the talk about making it a global tourism attraction. We cannot expect foreigners to take us seriously if we cannot take ourselves seriously. A tourist attraction is not simply about the flamboyant display of a parade; the environment is an equally important source of attraction. 

Unfortunately, the country is currently more of a terror hotspot than a relaxation destination, and elected officials have proven to be unreliable in addressing the things that matter.

Therefore, the Ijebus, both at home and abroad, must write their own story. They have a gem that can further push their kindred to exclusive heights of majesty and respect globally. Sheer demonstration of opulence can only go so far. 

A platform to drive massive infrastructural and human development by the elites for the community is the first step in turning the Ojude-Oba festival into what it could be.

Joshua Opanike is a medical doctor in Southwest Nigeria and an alumnus of the SprinNg Writing Fellowship.