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King Of Steeze, FAROOQ OREAGBA Tells City People
Few personalities have captured the imagination of Nigerians at the Ojude Oba Festival quite like Farooq Oreagba. Popularly known as the “King of Steeze” after his viral appearance at the 2024 edition of the cultural extravaganza, Oreagba has become one of the most recognizable faces of the annual celebration in Ijebuland.
Weeks after the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival, everyone is still talking about the King of Steeze, Farooq Oreagba who domianted the scene yet again at the festival on horse back.
Many simply know him as a horse rider with his big fat Cigar who participates annually at every Ojude Oba in Ijebu Ode. But this ruggedly handsome guy is many things rolled into one. He is a Capital Market Executive, Brand & Cultural Enthusiat. Before the 2026 Ojude Oba festival, he had been preparing, getting his horse ready and meeting with companies who wanted him to be their brand ambassadors.
That is why he worked with Airtel Nigeria who promoted him and FCMB who branded him. And also The Glientlivet who celebrated originality with Farooq by giving him a Selection of their finest single Malt Whiskies, to some of Ijebu Ode’s most distinguished families. Many do not know that on 18th December 2025, he had an accident which could have set him back, from taking part in this year’s Ojude Oba, but 4 months to Ojude Oba 2026 he summoned courage to mount again.
That is Farooq Oreagba for you. So he plays so many roles. He is also very stylish in his ways which explains why he got the nickname King of Steeze. Whenever he storms Ojude Oba on his horse he usually holds his Cigar. His arrival at Ojude Oba this year was massive.
But beyond the stylish outfits, majestic horse rides and effortless swagger lies a man deeply committed to preserving his heritage. For Farooq, Ojude Oba is not just a fashion parade or social gathering; it is a family tradition, a cultural responsibility and a celebration of his Ijebu roots.
Every year, months before the festival, preparations begin. From horse-riding practice sessions and coordinating with fellow riders to carefully selecting traditional attire and accessories, Oreagba leaves nothing to chance. His annual appearance is the result of meticulous planning, discipline and a genuine passion for Yoruba culture.
Having attended the festival for 17 years, he continues to inspire younger generations to embrace their heritage while projecting it proudly to the world.
A few days back City People Reporter, JAMIU ABUBAKAR met with Farooq and he spoke on the success of Ojude Oba 2026, his growing popularity, staying authentic, life lessons, culture promotion and his upcoming Cancer foundation.
Ojude Oba 2026 has come and gone. What are your memories?
It was bigger than ever before. The festival keeps getting bigger every year. We still have a lot of work to do in terms of organisation, but the potential is enormous.
Ojude Oba can become a major economic asset if properly developed. We are already taking steps in the right direction. We saw more horses, more participants and more sponsors this year. The growth is evident, but there is still work to be done if we want to unlock its full potential.
Whenever Ojude Oba is approaching, people are always eager to see what Farooq Oreagba will bring. How have you managed to meet people’s expectations over the years?
I don’t actually think about meeting expectations. I simply do what I have always done. I just remain myself.
Everybody in my family wears the same outfit. I ride the same horses. Nothing is staged. I think what people appreciate is my authenticity.
If you see me in Lagos today or in Ijebu tomorrow, I am the same person. I ride horses, I dress the way I like and I live my life naturally. I am not trying to create an image for social media or for public consumption.
Many don’t know that this year was my 17th Ojude Oba appearance. If you look at my pictures from years ago, you’ll see that I’ve always been the same person. Nothing has changed.
What do you think attracts people to you?
Authenticity. I’m a CEO, a chairman, a cancer survivor and I’m 60 years old. I wear earrings and I have tattoos. The combination is unusual.
When you cook a good soup, it is the combination of ingredients that makes it special. Remove one ingredient and it becomes something else entirely.
I think people connect with the complete package. I still work a regular 9-to-5 job in the finance sector. My focus remains my professional career. Everything else is secondary.
The truth is that being myself doesn’t require any effort. That’s probably why people connect with it.
You’ve participated in Ojude Oba for 17 years. How would you describe the journey and the lessons that have come with the fame?
Ojude Oba itself doesn’t prepare anyone for stardom.
The advice people constantly give me is simple… don’t change.
Remain the person you’ve always been. Stay humble and stay grounded.
What happened to me happened by the grace of God. I didn’t set out to become famous. I didn’t wake up one day and decide that I wanted to trend on social media.
God simply chose to shine His favour on me. So my lesson is to remain humble, appreciate every blessing and enjoy the experience without becoming arrogant.
How have you been managing the fame?
I’m humbled by it. I still see it as a privilege whenever people want to interact with me or interview me.
If I have time, I make myself available. If I’m busy, I simply explain that I’m occupied. It is important not to lose sight of who you are.
I genuinely appreciate the love and support people have shown me.
Looking ahead, what should Nigerians and the rest of the world expect from Farooq Oreagba?
One of my major priorities is promoting our culture.
I want to help take Ojude Oba and other Nigerian cultural festivals to the global stage. Our culture is a unique currency that belongs to us and nobody can take it away from us.
The challenge now is packaging it properly so that it can become an economic driver.
Imagine international movie producers coming to Ojude Oba to film. Imagine tourists from all over the world visiting Nigeria specifically for our cultural festivals. That would create jobs, generate revenue and strengthen our economy.
Beyond that, I simply want to be a great father, a great son and continue living my best life.
Do you currently run any foundation?
My mother runs one.
It is called the Tamurat Olabisi Oreagba Widows Foundation and it has been operating for over 12 years.
This year, however, we are launching the Farooq Oreagba Cancer Foundation. As a cancer survivor, this is a cause that is very dear to my heart, and I am looking forward to making a meaningful impact through it.
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