By Our Correspondent
In a world where culture and charisma rarely share the same stage, Farooq Oreagba has mastered the art of merging both, and Ojude Oba is his runway.
Ijebu Ode was once again bathed in vibrant colours, ancestral pride, and the deep rhythms of Yoruba tradition as the 2025 Ojude Oba Festival took over the city. But amid the sea of flowing agbadas, galloping horses, and regal fanfare, one man stood out not just for what he wore, but for how he wore it.
Oreagba, CEO of NG Clearing Limited, wasn’t just attending; he was commanding attention. Nearly a year after breaking the internet with his unforgettable appearance at the 2024 festival where he rode in with a cigar, a cool gaze, and undeniable “steeze”, he made a triumphant return.
This year, his presence felt less like a comeback and more like a coronation. Clad in a rich blend of brown and grey agbada, finished with silver accessories and a lion-headed staff, he didn’t just show up, he made a statement.
What’s fascinating isn’t just the outfit or the elegance, it’s the symbolism. Oreagba represents a new wave of cultural expression: deeply rooted in heritage yet boldly individual. His vibe says, “I honour tradition, but I bring my full self to it.”
t’s a sentiment that mirrors the spirit of Ojude Oba itself — a celebration of Yoruba legacy that continues to evolve, adapt, and inspire. Age-grade groups (regberegbe) paraded in coordinated brilliance, dancers told stories through movement, and horses, draped in ornate fabric, carried their riders with centuries of pride behind them.
And then there was Farooq — smiling, riding like a man who knows he’s not just part of history, but shaping it
His Instagram post said it all: “The King of Steeze is back!! Did you miss me?”
The answer? Loud, proud, and unanimous: Yes, we did.
