Engineer and entrepreneur, Babatunde Alatise has promised to turn the Ojud Oba Festival into a major tourism and investment platform if selected as the next Ojale of Ijebuland.
Alatiz, who recently announced his ambition for the throne, said the festival represents much more than a cultural gathering; This is an untapped economic opportunity capable of attracting global attention, jobs and development to Ijebuland.
He said, “Ozud Oba Festival is not just a festival; it is a brand.” “With proper organisation, promotion and partnerships, we can make Ijebu land a must-see destination every year.”
Speaking during a visit to the home of the Bubiade royal family in Ijebu-Ode, Alatis said he plans to work with both the public and private sectors to strengthen the global appeal of the festival. According to him, this festival can act as a bridge between tradition and modern enterprise.
A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Administrators (FCIA) and a member of COREN and the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Alatiz has decades of experience in mining, real estate and agriculture. He believes that the same strategic thinking used in business can help restore the cultural economy of the Ijebu Empire.
Speaking to journalists on Alatiz's candidacy, Rasheed Adenuga, an elder in the community, described him as “a bridge between tradition and modern enterprise”. He added, “With his business background and deep love for Ijebuland, Alatiz has the vision and connections to attract industries, create jobs and restore economic glory to our people.”
Oloribi Abdul Barry Bozela of the Bozela family also expressed confidence in his candidature. “From our discussions, I am pleased with the person we are presenting,” he said.
Alatize's vision integrates tourism, culture and economic empowerment, with many believing that this blueprint can redefine Ijebuland's place in the cultural map of Nigeria.
For many Ijebu tribesmen, their emergence signals a new era where tradition fosters progress and culture fosters prosperity.
