The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) has recognized Farooq Oreagba as an Honorary Ambassador following his standout appearance at the 2024 Ojude Oba Festival.
Oreagba, dressed in a flamboyant green and yellow Asooke Agbada, captivated attendees and social media audiences alike with his majestic horseback entrance, earning him the title “King of Steeze.”
His photo went viral, drawing global attention to the traditional festival held in Ijebu Ode. NCAC’s Director General, Obi Asika, announced Oreagba’s recognition on Instagram, praising his energy, spirit, and representation of Nigerian culture.
Asika highlighted Oreagba’s decade-long tradition of participating in the festival with his distinctive style. Despite being diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2014, Oreagba’s resilience and positivity have made him an inspiration to his friends and the public.
His elegant appearance, marked by red coral beads, a gold crossbody chain, tattoos, a tobacco pipe, an Apple wristwatch, and stylish sunglasses, has become iconic, showcasing Nigerian culture to the world.
He wrote:
“I could not be happier to announce him as an Hon Ambassador for the National Council for Arts and Culture @ncac_nigeria and celebrate him and his boundless energy and spirit.
“He is now the King of Steeze and brought global attention to #OjudeOba the key traditional festival of Ijebu Ode celebrating the Awujale.
“For at least the last decade he has been getting on his horse, dressed in magnificent asoke and representing his family and culture.
“We discussed what made this year different and why the reaction, was it the photographer, was it the festival or was it just God’s time, I believe it was just meant to be.
“My brother is a fighter, diagnosed with terminal cancer he has been fighting it for a decade and never been anything but positive. He has been an inspiration to we his friends and now we are sharing him with the world.”
“He represents all that is good about Nigeria, pls celebrate him, a true Nigerian original!
“I know he is braver than almost anyone I know from the way he confronts his pain and has always repped naija since I have known him, Congrats again and thanks for all you do.”
The 2024 Ojude Oba Festival celebrated the rich traditions of the Ijebu people and honored the Awujale, the king of Ijebu-Ode. Among the notable figures, Oreagba stood out for his striking fashion and compelling personal story.
His journey from battling cancer to becoming the Managing Director and CEO of NG Clearing embodies hope, courage, and the indomitable Nigerian spirit, making him a symbol of elegance and cultural pride at the festival.
