CAPPA Urges Awujale to Declare Ojude Oba a Smoke-Free Festival

— Festival Coordinator Says Ijebu Land Does Not Endorse Tobacco Use

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Awujale of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, to declare this year’s Ojude Oba festival a smoke-free event in order to protect public health and cultural values.

The appeal was made in a statement issued on Friday ahead of the annual festival scheduled for Sunday, June 8, at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu Ode. Themed “Ojude Oba: Celebrating Our Roots, Preserving Our Future,” the 2025 edition is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of participants and tourists from within and outside Nigeria.

CAPPA urged the Awujale and the festival’s Organising Committee to prohibit smoking, tobacco advertising, and brand promotions at all festival locations, including parade routes and communal gathering areas. The group also recommended setting up designated health stations to educate attendees about the dangers of smoking and vaping.

“With this spotlight comes responsibility,” CAPPA said. “Last year’s edition featured a notable incident where cancer survivor Mr. Farooq Oreagba was seen smoking on horseback. That image circulated widely and was used by elements within the tobacco industry to present smoking as fashionable and culturally endorsed.”

The group expressed concern that such portrayals send harmful messages, especially to young people, by normalising tobacco use. “Medical evidence and the stories of addicted individuals make it clear that there is nothing glamorous about smoking. It is a leading cause of preventable disease and death,” the statement read.

According to CAPPA, tobacco consumption contributes significantly to cancers, respiratory diseases, and heart conditions. It also noted the increasing reports of young Nigerians struggling with tobacco addiction, mental health issues, and social instability.

The organisation referenced Nigeria’s National Tobacco Control Act of 2015, which bans smoking in public places and all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship. It also cited the 2024 regulations by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), which require health warnings in films or videos portraying tobacco use.

CAPPA stated that declaring Ojude Oba a smoke-free festival would align with these national laws and reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to public health.

The group praised the Coordinator of the Ojude Oba festival, Chief Fassy A. Yusuf, for affirming that Ijebu land does not endorse smoking, particularly during the festival.

“In a recent meeting with our tobacco control advocacy team, Chief Yusuf acknowledged the dangers of tobacco use and pledged support for a healthier festival environment,” the statement noted.

CAPPA’s recommendations include:

. Enforcing a no-smoking policy across all festival areas.

. Establishing health education booths at major entry points.

. Mobilising age-group leaders to raise awareness about the risks of smoking and the importance of a smoke-free environment.

The NGO believes these measures will not only protect public health but also preserve the cultural dignity of Ojude Oba. It added that a smoke-free declaration would set a national example and enhance the festival’s reputation.

“A smoke-free Ojude Oba will reaffirm Ijebu land’s leadership in cultural responsibility and Your Majesty’s legacy of care,” the statement said.