By: Yunus .S. Saliu
The Yoru ba Community in The Gambia celebrated the 4th edition of the Ojude Oba Festival with fanfare, showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, traditional games, and community unity. The event took place at the King’s Forecourt in Paradise City, Farato, and was attended by a diverse cross-section of Nigerians and dignitaries from various ethnic groups.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Wale Fasosin, President of the Yoruba Community in The Gambia, expressed his gratitude to attendees for honoring the invitation.
“I want to appreciate everyone for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend this celebration. As you know, we are gathered to celebrate the Ojude Oba Festival, traditionally held on the third day of Eid al-Adha, popularly known here as Tobaski,” he said.
“There are various games today and plenty of prizes to be won everyone will go home with at least one gift. Please relax, enjoy yourself, and have fun. God bless you all.”
Guest of Honour, Hon. Great Akah Ottuduoma, President of the Nigerians In Diaspora Organization (NIDO), The Gambia, praised the Yoruba community for preserving cultural identity abroad.
“I’m honored to speak not just to the Yoruba community but to the broader Nigerian family gathered here today. From the festival’s humble beginnings four years ago, I’ve watched it grow from being a secretary of NIDO then to standing here today as its president. I thank God for that journey,” he remarked.
He also extended appreciation to His Royal Majesty Oba Moshood KB Abolade, the Ariwajoye I of the Yoruba Community in The Gambia, for spearheading the annual festival.
“This event brings Nigerians together beyond ethnic lines. Oba Abolade has consistently used this platform to unite us. As Africans, we should never abandon our culture it is our identity,” he added.
Hon. Ottuduoma called on other Nigerian communities in The Gambia to emulate such cultural initiatives, noting that cultural celebrations foster unity and mutual respect.
In his address, His Royal Majesty Oba Moshood KB Abolade thanked the guests for attending and reaffirmed the importance of the festival.
“Thank you all for joining us at the palace to mark the 4th edition of Ojude Oba here in The Gambia. The festival, traditionally held on the third day of Eid al-Adha, is a historic homage by the Yoruba people to their kings. We began this celebration in The Gambia four years ago, and we are grateful for the support we’ve received,” Oba Abolade stated.
He also appreciated the Gambian government and people for their hospitality towards Nigerians living in the country and thanked all sponsors of the event, offering prayers for divine blessings upon them.
The celebration featured vibrant cultural displays, traditional wrestling, music, and various games. Winners of the competitions were awarded prizes as a live Nigerian band entertained attendees into the night.
The Ojude Oba Festival in The Gambia has become a beacon of unity and cultural pride for Nigerians abroad, especially among the Yoruba diaspora.
