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The Ojude Oba Festival 2025, held on June 8 in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, brought together history, pageantry, and modern flair in ways that captured Nigeria’s rich cultural heartbeat. While the vibrant parades, regal horse displays, and traditional regberegbe processions were as grand as ever, what truly caught the attention of many—especially car lovers—was the role vehicles played in this year’s event.
From Suzuki Celerio prizes awarded by long-time sponsor Globacom, to the futuristic BYD Atto 3 electric vehicle driven to the festival grounds by the team at 234Drive, automobiles made more than a passing appearance. In fact, they were centre-stage in this powerful blend of tradition and technology.
In this post, we’ll explore the automotive highlights of the 2025 Ojude Oba Festival and what they say about Nigeria’s cultural evolution.
Cars as Prizes: Globacom’s Grand Gesture
Globacom marked its 20th year of sponsoring the Ojude Oba Festival by giving out two brand-new Suzuki Celerio vehicles. These weren’t just random prizes; they were handed to individuals whose stories and service embodied the spirit of the Ijebu people.
Meet the Winners:
- Opeoluwa Osisanwo: Aged 52, this proud member of Egbe Tobalase Okunrin and the Secretary of the Ojude Oba Festival Planning Committee won one of the Celerio cars. His leadership and dedication to preserving the festival’s legacy earned him the nod.
- Idowu Olabisi: A trader from Ijebu Igbo, she became the second winner through a Globacom consumer promo specifically held for the people of Ijebuland. She described the car as an “unexpected Eid gift.”
These prizes weren’t just about brand promotion—they were recognition of cultural loyalty and community engagement.
Why the Suzuki Celerio?
The Suzuki Celerio is a compact, fuel-efficient hatchback ideal for city and suburban driving. It has a 998cc petrol engine, a modest footprint (3,695mm in length), and offers affordable, low-maintenance motoring—perfectly suited for everyday Nigerians.
Key Specs:
- Fuel Efficiency: Up to 35.6 km/l
- Transmission: Manual and AMT options
- Safety: Dual front airbags, ABS
It’s a practical gift, not a flashy one—emphasizing utility, not vanity.
Cars as Conversation-Starters: The BYD Atto 3 Shines Bright
While Globacom rewarded tradition, 234Drive and BYD highlighted progress.
The team from 234Drive (Crank, Olamide, and Richie) drove the BYD Atto 3, a fully electric SUV, from Lagos to Ijebu Ode, showcasing what modern technology looks and feels like—quiet, smooth, clean, and smart.
Festivalgoers Take Notice
Many attendees had never seen a fully electric vehicle up close, let alone one navigating Nigerian roads with such ease. Questions flew in:
- “How do you charge it?”
- “What’s the range?”
- “Is it affordable for regular Nigerians?”
The BYD Atto 3, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, voice command, and a rotating infotainment screen, sparked curiosity and even envy.
Key Specifications:
- Range: Up to 420 km (WLTP)
- Battery Type: BYD’s proprietary Blade Battery
- Charging: 30% to 80% in under 50 minutes (fast charging)
- Interior Space: With seats folded, boot space expands to 1,338 litres
For a festival that celebrates Ijebu heritage, the Atto 3 symbolized the bold steps Nigeria must take toward sustainable transportation.
The Fusion of Heritage and Modernity
It’s easy to think of the Ojude Oba Festival as just a cultural relic, but 2025 proved it’s evolving. The introduction of electric cars into the festival conversation reflects:
- A rising interest in eco-conscious mobility
- Nigeria’s slow but sure pivot toward EV adoption
- The value of integrating tradition with innovation
OttoXpress believes that every car tells a story—whether it’s a modest Suzuki Celerio given as a reward for service or a high-tech EV signaling the future. The fact that both had roles to play at Ojude Oba 2025 says something powerful: we can honour our past while embracing tomorrow.
How OttoXpress Fits In
At OttoXpress, we’re not just excited about the future—we’re ready for it. Our workshops across Lagos are already prepping for the wave of electric vehicles making their way into Nigeria. From routine brake services to battery diagnostics, we’re equipped for what’s next.
So whether you’re driving a Suzuki Celerio, a BYD Atto 3, or any other vehicle—electric or fuel-powered—we’re here to keep you safe, efficient, and confident on the road.
Need a tune-up after your Ojude Oba road trip? Or maybe you’re curious about EV maintenance in Nigeria? We’ve got you.
Final Thoughts: Cars at Ojude Oba Are More Than Just Machines
The 2025 Ojude Oba Festival proved that even in a celebration of horses, agbadas, and ancestral pride, cars have found their place. As Lagos and Nigeria move forward, the roads we drive will reflect the balance between where we come from and where we’re headed.
Let’s keep moving—with respect, with pride, and with innovation.
Need a trusted mechanic after Ojude Oba?
Visit OttoXpress at 1 Moshalashi St, Surulere, Lagos, or call us at +234 807 769 2626.
OttoXpress – Happy Car, Happy Life.