Every year in Ijebu-Ode, a majestic fusion of royalty, tradition, and pageantry graces the southwestern town in what has become one of Nigeria’s most iconic cultural showcases — Ojude Oba. More than just a spectacle of fashion and fanfare, it is a sacred homage to ancestry and a collective statement of pride and identity.
So when Ojude LASU emerged this year, drawing inspiration from its Ijebu namesake, it wasn’t merely about replicating the glitz. It was an experiment in legacy — one that invited every Lasuite to step into the beauty of tradition in their own youthful, expressive way. And in many ways, Ojude LASU was beautiful.
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Get StartedA Celebration of Unity and Expression
On the day of the event, Lagos State University transformed. Faculties became tribes. Students adorned in vibrant aso ebi, coordinated like cultural regberegbe groups, brought life and movement to the campus. Laughter echoed, cameras flashed, and for a moment, the university became a living cultural village — a pulsating canvas of music, joy, and pride.
It was fun. It was expressive. Most impressively, it was affordable — a crucial detail that allowed students from all walks of life to take part. Kudos to the planning committee for lowering the barrier of participation and amplifying the spirit of inclusion.
But Did It Meet the Standard?
Now that the drums have quieted and the dust has settled, a bigger question arises: Did Ojude LASU meet the standard of its inspiration, Ojude Oba?
The answer is layered.
The Missing Heart: Royalty and Reverence
Ojude Oba is deeply rooted in the person of the Awujale, the king whose presence gives the festival its authority and sacred weight. At Ijebu-Ode, participants don’t just dress up for the fun of it; they come to pay homage, to acknowledge history and hierarchy.
At Ojude LASU, this spiritual centre was absent. There was no equivalent figure anchoring the event. While not necessarily a flaw after all, this is a university it did mean that what Ojude LASU gained in vibe, it lacked in symbolism.
The heart of Ojude Oba beats through its homage to tradition. Ojude LASU, for now, beats mostly to the rhythm of aesthetics.
Where Ojude LASU Got It Right
Where Ojude LASU did shine, though, was in faculty representation. Each faculty paraded with flair, adopting group names, choosing matching outfits, and marching with palpable pride. It didn’t follow Ijebu’s strict age-grade system, but it was an intelligent, contextual interpretation for a campus setting.
This sense of belonging and tribal identity was arguably the most authentic part of the festival. Students felt like they were part of something bigger a tradition in the making.
