By Ayomide Otitoju
Rite Foods Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Ijebu-land through its sponsorship of the 2026 edition of the Ojude Oba Festival.
The company, one of Nigeria’s leading food and beverage manufacturers, said its continued support for the annual cultural celebration reflects its dedication to community development and the preservation of indigenous traditions.
The 2026 festival, themed “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona,” is dedicated to the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona (GCON), the revered Awujale of Ijebu-land and the kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch. The event is expected to honour his contributions to the cultural, social, and economic development of Ijebu-land and Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference to unveil details of the festival, Brand Manager for Fearless Energy Drink, Olaniyi Aderuku, said Rite Foods’ relationship with Ijebu-land extends beyond business operations.
“At Rite Foods, we believe our role extends beyond operating within a community. We must grow with the people, celebrate their identity, and contribute meaningfully to preserving their heritage,” he said.
Aderuku noted that the partnership between Fearless Energy Drink and the Ojude Oba Festival aligns with the brand’s values of courage, ambition, and self-expression.
According to him, the festival embodies fearlessness through its display of culture, fashion, horsemanship, creativity, and the pride of the Ijebu people in preserving their traditions while embracing modernity.
He added that Rite Foods had consistently partnered with the festival over the years, offering consumers memorable experiences through its product brands and activations.
Participants and guests at this year’s festival, he said, would enjoy products including Bigi Carbonated Soft Drinks, Bigi Premium Drinking Water, Sosa Fruit Drink, Fearless Energy Drink, Bigi Flex, Rite Spicy, and Bigi Beef Sausages.
Aderuku also reiterated the company’s commitment to investing in communities, culture, and people alongside its investments in technology and production facilities.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Ojude Oba Festival Organising Committee, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, described the festival as a symbol of religious harmony, peaceful coexistence, and communal unity among the Ijebu people.
He said the 2026 edition would celebrate not only culture and tradition but also the enduring legacy of Oba Adetona, whose reign left a lasting impact on Ijebu-land.
Prof. Yusuf unveiled the official festival logo and highlighted major attractions lined up for the celebration, including the colourful procession of the regberegbe age-grade groups and the equestrian parade by 25 distinguished warrior families known for their historic role in defending the Ijebu kingdom.
Also speaking, the Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Oluwasesan Fagbayi, represented by Governor Dapo Abiodun, described Ojude Oba as more than a cultural festival.
He said the event had evolved into a platform for tourism promotion, economic growth, social inclusion, and cultural pride, while serving as a symbol of unity and resilience for Ogun State and Nigeria. He added that the state government remained committed to supporting the continued success of the festival.
