Ojude Oba: Police deploy 2,500 operatives, promises hitch-free festival

No fewer than 2,500 operatives of the Ogun State Police Command , alongside operational assets, have been deployed across Ijebu Ode and adjoining communities ahead of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival.

The State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, said the deployment is part of proactive security measures put in place to ensure a peaceful, safe, and hitch-free celebration during the annual cultural festival.

The annual cultural festival, which is celebrated on the third day after Eid el-Kabir, Ileya, provides the opportunity for the people of Ijebu land, who are usually dressed in various beautiful attires, to pay homage to the Awujale and display the rich cultural heritage of the Ijebu people, including horse riding, among other activities.

DAILY POST reports that the year 2026 festival would be the first celebrated without a monarch on the throne.

Recall that last year, the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, was conspicuously absent at the festival due to health issues. He eventually died on July 13, 2025 at the age of 91 after reigning for 65 years.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, armoured personnel carriers, patrol vehicles, police motorcycles, surveillance teams, undercover operatives, and rapid response squads have been deployed to the Ojude Oba pavilion, major highways, hotels, worship centres, markets, motor parks, and other public spaces expected to witness heavy human and vehicular movement during the festival.

“The operation involves conventional police officers and tactical units drawn from the Police Mobile Force, SWAT, Violent Crime Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Monitoring Unit, Force Intelligence Department, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, Motor Traffic Department, and other specialised units.

“Officers deployed for the operation have been instructed to maintain professionalism, civility, and respect for the rights of law-abiding citizens while carrying out their duties.

 “Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers have been mandated to strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers, community leaders, transport unions, event organisers, and other stakeholders to enhance intelligence gathering and ensure seamless security coordination throughout the festival period” the statement added.

Babaseyi explained that the security arrangement is designed to guarantee effective crowd control, intelligence-led policing, traffic management, anti-crime patrols, visibility policing, early threat detection, and rapid response to emergencies before, during, and after the celebration.

The command, however, warned criminal elements to stay away from the state, stressing that it remains fully prepared to decisively deal with anyone attempting to undermine the peaceful atmosphere of the celebration.