Thousands gathered on Sunday in an ancient town in south-west Nigeria for a spectacular display of culture, colour and tradition.
The Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu-Ode, brought together locals and visitors to pay homage to the Awujale – the traditional ruler of the Ijebu people.
This union of drummers, musicians and dancers coupled with a fashion parade told a tale of people deeply connected to their roots.
Ojude Oba – a Yoruba phrase meaning “the kings forecourt” – began over two centuries ago.
Earmarked for the third day after Eid, this was originally a modest gathering of the Muslim faithful, thanking the king for allowing them to practise their religion freely.
But it has grown to symbolise pride, unity and identity among all the Ijebu people regardless of religion.
The women were elegantly turned-out in colourful traditional dresses, known here as iro and buba, along with the gele, or head wrap.
Their outfits were made from lace or aso-oke, a locally sourced fabric woven by the Yoruba people.
