Awujale hopeful Babatunde Alatise promises to turn the Ojude Oba Festival into a global tourism and investment platform for Ijebuland

Engineer and entrepreneur Babatunde Alatise has pledged to transform the Ojude Oba Festival into a major tourism and investment platform if chosen as the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

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Alatise, who recently declared his ambition for the revered throne, described the annual festival as an “untapped economic opportunity” capable of drawing global attention, generating jobs and boosting development across Ijebuland.

“The Ojude Oba Festival is not just a celebration; it’s a brand,” he said. “With proper organisation, promotion and partnerships, we can make Ijebuland a must-visit destination every year.”

Speaking during a visit to the Bubiade royal family house in Ijebu-Ode, Alatise outlined plans to collaborate with both public and private sectors to strengthen the festival’s international appeal. He said the event could serve as a powerful bridge between tradition and modern enterprise.

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Administrators (FCIA) and member of COREN and the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Alatise boasts extensive experience in mining, real estate and agriculture. He believes his business acumen can help reposition the cultural economy of Ijebuland for sustainable growth.

Community leaders have expressed confidence in his vision. Elder Rasheed Adenuga described Alatise as “a bridge between tradition and modern enterprise.”

“With his business background and deep love for Ijebuland, Alatise has the vision and connections to attract industries, create jobs and restore economic pride to our people,” he said.

Similarly, Abdul Barry Bojela, the Oloriebi of the Bojela family, commended Alatise’s candidacy, saying, “From our deliberations, I’m pleased with the person we’re presenting.”

Alatise’s blueprint — linking tourism, culture and economic empowerment — is being hailed by supporters as a pathway to redefine Ijebuland’s place on Nigeria’s cultural and economic map.

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For many Ijebu indigenes, his emergence represents a new era where tradition fuels progress and culture drives prosperity.