An elderly Nigerian man has gained widespread attention on social media after discussing the origins of the Ojude Oba festival in a viral video.

The video drew great attention online because he provided a thorough account of how the popular cultural celebration began in Ijebu.

According to him, Ojude Oba arose from an older traditional gathering known as “Ode Nla,” which existed before Islam and Christianity arrived in the area.

He explained that during that time, several traditional worshippers would bring forth emblems symbolising deities such as Ogun, Sango, Oya, and others to honour the Awujale, the traditional monarch of Ijebu territory.

“It was Balogun Kuku who started Ojude Oba. The festival had existed long before Islam and Christianity. It was originally called Ode Nla. During that time, all our fathers and forefathers would bring out all their symbols of worship. Those worshipping Ogun, Sango, Oya, and others to pay homage to the Awujale in the olden days,” he said.

The speaker went on to say that Balogun Kuku was instrumental in shaping what eventually became Ojude Oba.

He explained that Balogun Kuku was formerly a Christian before switching to Islam at a period of religious transition in Ijebu territory.

He stated: “But when Islam entered Ijebu land, Balogun Kuku became a Muslim. He was previously a Christian before converting to Islam.”

He stated that Balogun Kuku later converted to Islam after realising that the religion allowed him several wives. “The Christians told him he could only have one wife, but he had more than 30. Balogun then questioned what he should do with his wife.

 “The Christians told him then that he could only have one wife, but he had over 30 wives. Balogun then asked what he should do with his wives. They told him to pick only one out of all of them to remain his wife. That was when Balogun Kuku said he could no longer embrace Christianity because he can’t leave his wives.” 

“One of Balogun’s slaves then told him he knew of a religion that allowed multiple wives. The Balogun asked which religion it was, and he said Islam. Balogun Kuku now asked him about their location; the slave told him that they were in the north and so instructed the slave to go call them. By the time the Muslims got to him, the first question he asked was how many wives he could have. They asked, “Baba, how many wives do you currently have?” He replied that he had over 30. The Muslims told him he could marry more wives, and Balogun Kuku said, “Yes, this is a good religion if I can still marry more wives.” That was how he became a Muslim. The first time Balogun Kuku used a turban. Over 500 people, including my own great-grandfather, wore turbans that day.”

Oba Foundation The man added that after accepting Islam, the group sought permission from the Awujale to practise their religion and was granted property for Eid prayers.

According to him, that meeting was the genesis of Ojude Oba as we know it today.

“As they continued in Islam, they went to the Awujale, the late king, to beg for land for Eid. The king gave them the land. On Ileya day, after slaughtering their rams, they rested on the second day. On the third day, they decided to go and thank the king for giving them a place to practice their religion. They asked where they should meet, and they were told to meet at the king’s forecourt. That was where Ojude Oba began. So it was Balogun Kuku who started Ojude Oba, aside from the Ode Nla they were doing before. Now they are just following his legacy.”