When I think of the Ojude Oba Festival, I think of color, culture, pride — and now, I also think of Farooq Oreagba. His unforgettable appearance at Ojude Oba 2024 didn’t just make waves; it shifted the way many of us connected to the festival. It was more than a fashion moment; it was a cultural reset.
Fast-forward to Ojude Oba 2025, and the energy still feels electric; but this time, it’s charged with expectation. Last year, Farooq Oreagba unexpectedly became the face of a movement: one that reminded us how tradition and individuality can walk hand in hand. This year, that influence is still felt, not just in the outfits or the online buzz, but in the way people showed up; more intentional, more expressive, and more aware of what it means to represent your roots with pride.
Ojude Oba 2025: A Festival Reborn
This year’s edition of Ojude Oba felt like it had taken everything good from 2024 and turned up the volume. From the Regberegbe parades to the spectacular horse displays and fashion statements that spanned everything from classic to avant-garde, the festival had a renewed energy, almost as if Oreagba’s presence last year had sparked a new standard.
What I noticed most was the confidence. Everyone, young and old, seemed to walk with their shoulders a little higher, their outfits a little bolder.
The storytelling through fashion was louder, richer, and more personal. And even though Farooq Oreagba wasn’t the “main character” this time, his influence was everywhere — in the way people accessorized, in the poise, in the pride.
It wasn’t about copying him. It was about carrying forward the spirit he embodied.
The Man Behind the Image
What really struck me about Oreagba’s appearance wasn’t just how good he looked (and he did). It was the energy he brought — confident, unbothered, and full of life. Here’s a man who’s walked through fire, a cancer survivor with years of experience in the finance world, including time at the Nigerian Stock Exchange. He’s faced personal storms, and yet showed up at Ojude Oba not just surviving, but thriving.
That quiet strength said a lot. It reminded me that appearances can carry stories; and his told one of resilience, elegance, and deep cultural grounding.
A Lasting Impact
One year later, it’s clear that Oreagba’s moment at Ojude Oba 2024 wasn’t just viral; it was foundational. He reminded us that cultural representation doesn’t have to be stiff or performative. It can be alive, bold, and deeply personal. And that message landed.
This year, more young people traveled back home for the festival.
I saw conversations about Yoruba identity pop up across social media again. People weren’t just attending Ojude Oba; they were investing in it, emotionally, culturally, and creatively.
And that’s the real win.
Looking Beyond the Trend
There’s a fine line between trend and tradition, and I think Farooq Oreagba helped us walk it. In 2025, that balance felt even more intentional. While some came to be seen, many more came to belong — to contribute to something that’s bigger than them, but still personal.
In a world that’s constantly speeding up, Ojude Oba remains a space where time slows down, where history breathes, and where individuality can flourish within the framework of community.
Final Thoughts
As I watched the processions and scrolled through this year’s highlights, I kept thinking about how one man’s unapologetic presence helped elevate a centuries-old tradition. Farooq Oreagba may have made his mark last year, but the ripple effect is still unfolding. And it’s beautiful to witness.
Ojude Oba 2025 was not just another celebration, it was proof that culture is never static.
It grows with us, through us. And thanks to moments like Oreagba’s in 2024, and the energy we brought this year, the festival feels more alive than ever.
Here’s to carrying it forward, with elegance, pride, and a little bit of swagger.
The DIY Collective 
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