First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has reinforced its commitment to promoting arts, culture and heritage through its sponsorship of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival, held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

The annual festival, which celebrates the Awujale of Ijebuland and showcases Yoruba cultural heritage through fashion, music, dance and traditional displays, was held on May 30, 2026, under the theme, “Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona.”

The event honoured the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who died on July 13, 2025, after a reign widely regarded as one of the most influential in Nigeria’s traditional institution.

The festival attracted thousands of Ijebu sons and daughters, tourists, cultural enthusiasts and dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.

Among those in attendance were Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, the Regent and Acting Awujale of Ijebuland, Olorogun (Dr.) Sonny Folorunsho Kuku, traditional rulers, political leaders, business executives and prominent cultural figures.

As the event’s star sponsor, FCMB provided financial support and maintained a strong corporate presence throughout the festival, with extensive branding across the festival grounds and key locations in the city.

The highlight of the festival remained the colourful parade by the Regberegbe age-grade groups, whose members appeared in elaborate traditional attire while showcasing cultural performances.

At the end of the competition, Egbe Bobakeye emerged winner in the male category, while Egbe Arobayo Obinrin Precious won the female category. The Balogun Kuku Family secured victory in the horse-riding category.

The event also attracted several celebrities, including Nollywood actors Eniola Badmus, Adeniyi Johnson, Mercy Aigbe, Femi Branch, Idowu Phillips, popularly known as Mama Rainbow, and Dayo Amusa. Waka music icon Salawa Abeni, content creator Samuel Banks and socialite Farooq Oreagba, FCMB’s cultural ambassador, were also among the notable personalities present.

In a goodwill message, the Group Chief Executive of FCMB Group Plc, Mr Ladi Balogun, described the festival as a symbol of Ijebu culture and identity, while paying tribute to the late Oba Adetona.

“This year’s festival holds special significance as we honour the legacy of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, whose passing in 2025 marked the end of one of the most consequential royal reigns in Nigeria’s history,” Balogun said.

He noted that the late monarch spent more than six decades promoting development, education, unity and responsible leadership, while transforming Ojude Oba into a platform for cultural preservation and economic growth.

Balogun also commended the leadership of the Regent and Acting Awujale, Olorogun (Dr.) Sonny Folorunsho Kuku, for ensuring continuity and stability within the Ijebu traditional institution.

Speaking on FCMB’s longstanding partnership with the festival, Balogun said the bank had supported the Ojude Oba Festival for more than 20 years as part of its commitment to preserving heritage and fostering community development.

“For over 20 years, FCMB has remained a committed partner of the Ojude Oba Festival. Our support amplifies a longstanding belief in the importance of preserving heritage, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth,” he said.

According to him, the festival has evolved beyond a cultural celebration to become a catalyst for enterprise, economic activity and community development in Ijebuland.

The 2026 edition of the Ojude Oba Festival also served as a tribute to the legacy of the late founder of FCMB, Otunba Subomi Balogun, who was widely recognised for his contributions to the development of Ijebuland and his active participation in the festival as a member of the Balogun family.

Observers said the bank’s support contributed significantly to the success of the festival, which featured cultural exhibitions, horse-riding displays and traditional performances aimed at preserving and promoting Yoruba cultural heritage.