Esther Salifu
The 2025 Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, took an unexpected turn when a young woman, described by attendees as a “baddie,” publicly threatened to sue an elderly man for defamation during the cultural celebration.
The Ojude Oba festival, a vibrant annual event held on the third day after Eid al-Kabir, is renowned for its display of Yoruba culture, fashion, and pageantry. However, this year’s festivities were momentarily overshadowed by a confrontation between a young female attendee and an older man.
In a video shared by @bigappletv, the woman confronted the man over alleged defamatory remarks he made about her. Eyewitnesses reported that she accused him of spreading false information that tarnished her reputation. The heated exchange drew attention from festival-goers, with many capturing the incident on their devices.
“I will not tolerate lies being spread about me,” the woman asserted. “If you don’t retract your statements, I will take legal action for defamation.”
The elderly man, whose identity remains undisclosed, appeared taken aback by the confrontation. He reportedly denied the allegations but refrained from further comment.
While the festival continued with its traditional parades and performances, the incident sparked discussions on social media about respect, reputation, and the importance of addressing grievances appropriately.
The Ojude Oba festival, meaning “The King’s Forecourt,” is a significant cultural event that brings together the Ijebu community to pay homage to the Awujale, the traditional ruler of Ijebuland. The festival features colorful displays from various age-grade groups, known as regberegbe, and attracts attendees from across Nigeria and beyond.
As of now, no official statements have been released regarding the confrontation, and it remains unclear whether legal proceedings will ensue.
