Born from a simple belief: Heritage deserves luxury.

For too long, our stories, traditions, craftsmanship and cultural icons have been documented as history, but rarely celebrated with the elegance, prestige and editorial excellence they deserve.

We believe heritage is not simply what we inherit. It is what we choose to carry forward.

HERITAGELXR exists at the intersection of heritage, elegance and luxury. It is dedicated to the people, places, traditions and moments that shape our cultural identity while inspiring future generations.

For our inaugural issue, there could be no better cover profile than Farooq Oreagba.

His image captured global attention, but behind the photographs is something deeper – a story of resilience, cultural confidence and a man who wears heritage not as costume, but as identity.

Beyond the spectacle lies a legacy.

This is his story.

Heritage with love,

Timi Adegunwa

Founder & Editor

HERITAGELXR

Q: WHO IS FAROOQ OREAGBA?

Name is Farooq Adedayo Oreagba. I was born in Leicester, England. Studied early years at Kings College, Lagos, Loughborough, and Oxford in the UK -but earned my degrees from Coventry University and University of East London in the UK.

Q: WHY IS HERITAGE IMPORTANT?

Culture and heritage are things you become burdened with at birth. One cannot change these so one might as well embrace and if changes are needed, then try to do from within. We all also have to ensure there is continuity because it is OURS , and belongs to nobody else. It’s a currency whose benefits accrue to us alone.

Q: WHAT DOES OJÚDE ỌBA MEAN TO YOU?

Quite a lot. First, it’s a tradition that I met on the ground and I have too much fun attending. I love the pomp and pageantry and the chance for all the family to come together. In the years gone by, there was rivalry between families but now, we all come together to put on our best displays. It’s one thing that unites ALL Ijebus and showcases us to the world.

Q: WHY DO YOU STILL RIDE?

As far as Ojude Oba goes, I am the 2nd oldest rider in my family, with my uncle being the oldest and he has been riding for 30 years. I cannot stop before he does and even if he does, I have been blessed with the opportunity to take Ojude Oba to the world stage and I plan to do just that. By the grace of Almighty Allah, I still have many more riding years to go.

Q: HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT BECOMING A CULTURAL ICON?

To be absolutely honest, I was nervous initially.

I can tell you this, NOT everyone in my professional life is happy about the exposure I get and being that I love my job, I was initially concerned about the negativity. However, I later appreciated that it was actually a privilege, an acknowledgement of my efforts in bringing the festival to a global stage.

I am honored to be recognized for being myself and doing what I love and I hope many others follow in my footsteps, in terms of dressing, outlook , embracing our culture and pushing it out to the world whenever the opportunity arises

Q: WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR SON INHERITS?

Jamal is my eldest child, the first of 3 boys. He came for Ojude Oba 2025, asked if he could ride with the family and immediately decided he was coming home, despite having never lived in Nigeria.

By December 2025, he had moved.

So, he has already inherited my love for all things Nigerian and most importantly, our culture. I pray his love deepens and he can chart his own path through the cultural maze. He is a music producer and already, his sound had veered from hip hop towards Afro beats and hopefully he gets to work with some of our best artists out there. He has great people skills and I pray he inherits my “luck “ so he can be successful in his own right.

THE DYNASTY

The Oreagba family has been part of Ojúde Ọba for generations.

Timeline

• 1893 – The Oreagba family first rides at Ojúde Ọba
• 1967 – Family patriarch leads his final parade
• 1984 – The next generation carries the tradition forward
• 2025 – Farooq Oreagba rides alongside his son Jamal
• Colours – Yellow, Lime Green, White

Four generations. One tradition.

An unbroken legacy spanning more than a century.

THE STYLE

For Ojúde Ọba 2026, Farooq Oreagba appeared in a bespoke ensemble by Rhobes Official, blending heritage craftsmanship with contemporary elegance.

From the hand-finished Fìlà to the statement cane and signature jewellery, every detail reflected a man who understands that style is not about fashion. It is about identity.

Signature Elements

• Bespoke Aso-oke by Rhobes Official
• Traditional Fìlà
• Diamond stud earrings
• Family signet ring
• Gold-handled walking cane
• Classic aviator frames

BRAND ASSOCIATION

Farooq Oreagba’s emergence as one of the most recognisable figures in contemporary African culture has attracted attention from organisations seeking authenticity, excellence and heritage.

Farooq Oreagba’s influence extends beyond endorsements and partnerships and leading organisations align themselves with his image, values and cultural impact:

• FCMB
• Airtel
• The Glenlivet
• Visa Card Affluent Program

His style has also featured craftsmanship associated with respected global luxury houses including Rolex and Audemars Piguet.

Yet beyond the partnerships lies a more enduring truth – It is measured by the generations who see in him proof that heritage and modernity can ride side by side.

ISSUE 001 CREDITS

COVER SUBJECT:

FAROOQ OREAGBA

FEATURED CRAFTMANSHIP:

RHOBES OFFICIAL

BRAND ASSOCIATION:

AIRTEL | FCMB | THE GLENLIVET | VISA CARD AFFLUENT PROGRAMME

SPECIAL RECOGNITION:

OREAGBA DYNASTY