Clad in majestic white regalia, a vision of noble heritage and cultural grace, Chief Folorunsho Sonny Kuku, the Olorogun and Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu Land, made a radiant appearance at the 150th Ojude Oba celebration. His presence, commanding yet serene, embodied the rich tapestry of Ijebu tradition and reverence.
Adorned in a pristine traditional white top and trousers, with a resplendent wrapper gracefully draped across his right shoulder and a dignified (Saki) cascading from his left, Chief Kuku was the very picture of ancestral pride and dignified poise, his beaming, delight-some smile illuminating every interaction with fellow chiefs and well-wishers.
As the highest-ranking chief under the Awujale’s prestigious administration, Chief Sonny Kuku is more than a titleholder—he is a custodian of legacy, a symbol of unity, and a living bridge between the illustrious past and the promising future of the Ijebu people.
Speaking with heartfelt sincerity, Chief Kuku highlighted three deeply personal and culturally significant reasons for his elation at being part of this historic event.
“First,” he noted with a resonant voice of reverence, “Ojude Oba is a sacred gathering where all Ijebus, from across continents and creeds, converge to pay homage to our royal patriarch, the Awujale of Ijebuland. We come to offer prayers, best wishes, and our unwavering loyalty.”
His second reason spoke to the spirit of cohesion: “Ojude Oba is a celebration that transcends religion and background. It unites us—Ijebus of all faiths and from every corner of the globe—under one illustrious heritage, reminding us that we are one people bound by blood, culture, and history.”
But it was his third point that revealed the profound depth of his personal connection to the festival. “It was my forefather who initiated what we now celebrate as Ojude Oba,” he said, his eyes gleaming with pride. “What began humbly 150 years ago has blossomed into a grand spectacle of culture and identity. For the Kuku family, this is not just history—it is a legacy in motion.” No wonder they emerged the best horse riders at the event.
The milestone 150th anniversary of Ojude Oba marks a monumental chapter in the cultural annals of Ijebuland, and for Chief Sonny Kuku, it is a time of immense gratitude and celebration. With every beat of the ceremonial drums and every hue of the flamboyant displays, he sees the thriving embodiment of a dream his ancestors dared to dream.
Expressing his joy, Chief Kuku offered a prayerful wish: “May the legacy of the Ijebu people endure eternally. May we continue to flourish in unity and pride, wherever in the world we find ourselves.”
In Chief Sonny Kuku, the Ijebu people see not only a regal figure but a venerable steward of tradition—ever faithful, ever gracious, and ever proud of the heritage that courses through his veins.
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