Viral Video Sparks Cultural Debate at Ojude Oba Festival

What started as a brief moment at the 2026 Ojude Oba festival has turned into a hot topic after the event.

A woman became the focus of discussion after a video of her smoking what many thought was a cigar went viral during the colorful celebration in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

The clip spread quickly on social media, gathering thousands of comments. It sparked talks about culture, modern lifestyles, and how society views women in public.

As the debate grew, comedian Alibaba joined in, questioning if such actions show changing social values and where society is heading.

His comments fueled the heated discussion, with social media users divided. Some thought it was harmless self-expression, while others saw it as a sign of changing cultural standards.

21 Questions

Alibaba, known for his social commentary, said the viral video left him with more questions than answers.

In a long post on Instagram, he reflected on whether changing social attitudes are reshaping long-held cultural beliefs and norms.

He asked, "Is there a watering down of acceptable norms as cultures evolve? Anything a man can do, a woman can do as well? Is this about Feminism or rebellious positioning?"

He also wondered if women would one day start paying the groom price.

Alibaba questioned if a woman smoking a cigar means that someday he would have to introduce an Otunba Mrs Kemi Adegbola and her four husbands at an event.

He asked, "Does this mean, one day, a guy would be at home, a girl and her mum will come knock on the door to ask for his hand in marriage?"

He continued, "Would guys start bearing the surnames of their wives soon? Are we going to see a time when a woman says she wants a man’s hand in marriage, and the parents will ask the woman, what do you do for a living to take care of our son?"

Among Alibaba's other concerns is that one day couples would be introduced as Mrs and Mr at events, and women would propose on one knee while the crowd cheers men to "say yes."

He admitted that culture and values change over time.

Non-Smoker

Before Alibaba spoke up, the woman at the center of the debate had already tried to clarify things.

The lady, who calls herself Oluwatoyin Olushile, responded to the online backlash. She said she lives in New York City and works as a post office manager for the US government.

"Honestly, I’ve never smoked in my life. What I held that day is called an electric cigar. And what is inside is vapor. No smell. No nothing. So people don’t understand what it is. That electric cigar is made in the USA by my friend.

I’m not a smoker. I know people are criticizing me. They are judging a book by its cover. I’m a very good person. I’m very intelligent, and I’m a very educated woman," she said.

Now known as the ‘Queen of Steeze’ online, she explained that her goal was to do something unique.

Farooq Oreagba Comparison

This debate has also brought back memories of the 2024 Ojude Oba festival. Back then, finance executive Farooq Oreagba became famous after photos of him riding a horse with a cigar went viral.

Those images made him one of the festival's biggest stars, earning him the nickname “King of Steeze” on social media.

As reactions to the latest viral video increased, some users compared the two situations. They argued that while Mr Oreagba’s cigar was admired, the woman in this current case faced criticism and moral judgment.

Others disagreed with this comparison, saying the debate is not about gender but rather about the meaning of the act and the cultural values linked to Ojude Oba.