The organising committee of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival has dismissed reports suggesting that the annual cultural celebration may be suspended following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona.

The committee stated that the late monarch had expressly directed that the festival should not be halted during any interregnum period.

According to the organisers, the 2026 edition of the festival will go ahead as scheduled under the theme, “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona.”

The committee explained that the event would celebrate the cultural heritage of the Ijebu people while also honouring the legacy of Oba Adetona, whose 65-year reign was described as impactful in the social, cultural, and economic development of Ijebuland.

The organisers noted that the late monarch remained committed to preserving the festival as an important symbol of unity and identity for the Ijebu people.

They added that preparations for the celebration were ongoing, assuring participants and visitors that the annual event would continue in line with the wishes of the late traditional ruler.