Ojude Oba Festival: A Cultural Marvel In Need Of Strategic Crowd Management – Wale Ojo-Lanre

Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, has called for urgent improvements in crowd management and organizational planning at the internationally celebrated Ojude Oba Festival. Speaking after attending this year’s edition of the event, Ojo-Lanre praised the festival’s vibrancy and cultural significance but warned that inadequate crowd control could endanger public safety and undermine its global standing.

While lauding the transformation of the festival from a modest local celebration into a major intercontinental attraction, Ojo-Lanre commended His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Adetona, Ogbagba II, and the people of Ijebu Ode for their enduring commitment to preserving and enriching the festival’s legacy. He acknowledged the remarkable progress in branding, aesthetics, and overall presentation.

However, he noted that key infrastructural and organizational shortcomings were evident during this year’s festivities. The double-lane road leading to the palace became a severe bottleneck due to indiscriminate parking and uncoordinated security convoys. Within the main pavilion, the revered Elegbes found their performance area overwhelmed by the crowd, and the typically majestic horses appeared visibly unsettled by the surrounding chaos.

Most alarmingly, Ojo-Lanre highlighted the absence of dedicated pathways for horse riders and festival-goers, as well as a lack of clearly defined exit routes. These lapses created dangerous conditions, with reports of ambulances struggling to reach individuals in distress.

“These are not minor logistical oversights—they pose real risks to lives and threaten the sustainability of this iconic celebration,” he emphasized. “For an event of such national and international stature, a robust, well-coordinated crowd management strategy is not optional—it is essential.”

To that end, Ojo-Lanre proposed a series of strategic reforms grounded in global best practices:

1. Dedicated Traffic Management Plan

• Designated parking zones serviced by shuttle buses.
• Strict VIP access control with separate entry routes.
• Temporary one-way systems and road closures during peak hours.
• Enforced parking regulations to prevent roadside congestion.

2. Optimized Crowd Flow within Palace Grounds

• Installation of temporary walkways with barriers to guide foot traffic.
• Designated, protected pathways for horse riders and performers.
• Clearly marked entry and exit points.
• Zoning and sectioning to evenly distribute attendees.

3. Enhanced Information and Communication

• Pre-festival awareness campaigns through diverse media outlets.
• Multilingual signage throughout the venue.
• A reliable public address system to relay updates and safety information.

4. Increased and Trained Personnel

• Expanded deployment of uniformed security staff.
• Recruitment and training of a large volunteer corps.
• Integrated coordination with emergency services for swift incident response.

5. Technology Integration

• Strategic placement of CCTV cameras for real-time monitoring.
• Development of a comprehensive festival mobile app offering schedules, crowd alerts, and emergency notifications.

“The Ojude Oba festival is not just a cultural event—it is a living monument to Yoruba heritage and Nigerian pride,” Ojo-Lanre concluded. “Its continued success rests not only on its rich traditions but also on the commitment of its organizers to elevate safety, efficiency, and the overall experience for all attendees.”

By embracing a forward-thinking and strategic approach to crowd management, the Ojude Oba festival can continue to flourish—ensuring it remains a beacon of African cultural excellence for generations to come.