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The 2025 Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu-Ode faced criticism for failing to meet global standards due to crowd management issues, despite record attendance. Thousands of attendees were left stranded outside the main arena, with first responders treating the elderly and children, overwhelmed by heat and human congestion. The 91-year-old Awujale was absent due to health concerns, adding to organizational challenges during the cultural celebration.

  • The festival attracted over one million participants but lacked adequate crowd control systems
  • Medical emergencies occurred as the elderly and children suffered from heat and overcrowding
  • Ekiti Tourism DG called for enhanced crowd management and organizational strategies
  • Economic impact remained positive, with traders doubling prices without complaints
Cultural events that achieve an international scale often outgrow their traditional management systems faster than infrastructure can adapt. The Ojude Oba "chaos" actually signals successful cultural branding—demand exceeded capacity. This creates immediate opportunities for event management specialists, temporary infrastructure providers, and crowd control technology companies. The festival's economic success despite organizational challenges proves that cultural authenticity drives premium pricing. Smart entrepreneurs can position services for next year's inevitable infrastructure upgrades.

How can Nigeria's traditional festivals scale globally whilst maintaining authentic cultural identity and safety standards?

Sources: Vanguard Nigeria, Per Second News, The Eagle Online