Kwara Court Clears Way For Oro Day Celebration

The Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin, on Monday, dismissed an interlocutory application seeking to halt the celebration of Oro Day scheduled for December 24, 2025, in Irepodun local government area of the state.

The application was filed by Chief Simeon Olayioye, Chief Gabriel Abioye, and Professor Bode Bojuwoye, who, on behalf of the Otun Oro community, sought an injunction restraining the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye, alongside John Abiodun and Ishmael Aribidesi, or their agents, from proceeding with the Oro Day celebration.

In his ruling, Justice Mahmoud AbdulGafar, dismissed the application, describing it as lacking sufficient merit to warrant the reliefs sought.

The court subsequently adjourned the substantive suit to February 2, 2026 for the filing of all necessary processes, after which hearing will continue.

Reacting to the ruling, counsel to the defendants, Barr. Tosin Alawode, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, noting that it was a victory for peace, unity, and progress in Oro Kingdom.

He said the ruling reaffirmed respect for tradition and lawful authority.

Oba Oyatoye also welcomed the court’s verdict, describing Oro Day as an intellectual property and a unifying cultural festival that brings together sons and daughters of the Kingdom from across the globe to celebrate their shared heritage, history, and values.

Similarly, the Chief Imam of Oro, Dr. Sanusi Taofeeq Olamilekan, commended the judgment, saying it would further strengthen unity among the people.

Olamilekan urged the claimants to embrace peace and work with other stakeholders in the town, submitting to long-established traditions for the collective advancement of the community.

He also called on all sons and daughters of Oro, as well as invited guests, to attend this year’s Oro Day celebration, which he said would be marked in a unique and memorable way.

The chairman of the Oro Descendants Union, Oro Branch, Chief Sola Titiloye, said the ruling reaffirmed the enduring traditions of Oro Kingdom.

He questioned attempts by what he described as a few individuals to hold the entire kingdom to ransom.