Tourism Chief Sounds Alarm – Calls for Safety Overhaul at Spectacular Ojude Oba
The Ojude Oba festival pulsates with an energy unlike any other – a breathtaking explosion of colour, equestrian majesty, and deep cultural resonance that draws the world to Ijebu Ode. Yet, amidst this awe-inspiring spectacle, Ekiti State Tourism Director General, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, witnessed a critical vulnerability. In a press release the seasoned tourism expert issued a powerful call: Elevate crowd management now to safeguard the festival’s future and its global reputation.
Ambassador Ojo-Lanre was unequivocal in his praise for the custodians of this iconic event. He lauded His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Adetona, Ogbagba II, and the entire Ijebu Ode community for their phenomenal dedication, transforming Ojude Oba from a local celebration into an intercontinental cultural powerhouse. He specifically commended the significant leaps in branding, aesthetics, and overall presentation, acknowledging the festival’s undeniable vibrancy and growth as a testament to their unwavering commitment.
However, the DG’s sharp tourism eye identified perilous cracks beneath the dazzling surface.
In the release,he detailed how the road became a choked artery, paralyzed by haphazard parking and unregulated security convoys. Inside the sacred pavilion, the revered Elegbes struggled within shrinking performance spaces, relentlessly encroached upon by the surging crowd, while the magnificent horses, central to the festival’s drama, grew visibly distressed by the surrounding chaos.
Most alarmingly, Ojo-Lanre highlighted a dangerous free-for-all fueled by the absence of dedicated pathways for riders and visitors, coupled with non-existent emergency exit routes – a critical failure underscored by reports of ambulances battling to reach those in need.
“These are not minor hiccups; they are fundamental threats,” Ambassador Ojo-Lanre stressed, his voice carrying the weight of international best practices observed globally.
He urgently advocated for a comprehensive, world-class crowd management strategy, arguing it is non-negotiable for an event of this magnitude. His vision includes a dedicated traffic management plan with off-site parking shuttles and strict VIP access control; optimized internal flow using robust barriers to define spectator zones and create protected pathways for horses; enhanced multilingual communication before and during the event; a significant increase in trained security and volunteer personnel; and crucially, the integration of technology like real-time CCTV monitoring and a festival app for safety alerts.
“Ojude Oba is a priceless national treasure, a vibrant heart of Yoruba heritage,” Ojo-Lanre noted. “Its spectacular legacy and future growth demand an unwavering commitment to the safety and experience of every single attendee.
Concluding,the DG maintained that by proactively embracing these essential upgrades, Ijebu Ode can ensure this cultural crown jewel not only endures but truly ascends to its rightful place as Africa’s premier, globally revered festival – safe, majestic, and unforgettable for generations.”
