Kwara High Court clears path for Oro Day Celebration, dismisses suit seeking injunction

 

The Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has 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 Titiloye Oyatoye, alongside John Olalekan Adefila Abiodun and Ishmael Aribidesi, or their agents, from proceeding with the Oro Day celebration.

In his ruling delivered on Monday, the presiding judge, 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 for the filing of all necessary processes, after which hearing will continue.

Reacting to the ruling, counsel to the defendants, Barrister 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.

The Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Titiloye Oyatoye, also welcomed the court’s decision, 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 Kingdom, Dr. Sanusi Taofeeq Olamilekan, commended the judgment, saying it would further strengthen unity among the people.

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

The Chief Imam also called on all sons and daughters of Oro Kingdom, 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.

On his part, the Chairman of the Oro Descendant Union, Oro Branch, Chief Sola Jide 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, alleging that many of those challenging the authority of the Oloro were not even indigenes of Otun Oro.

Speaking further, Oba Titiloye said he was elated by the court’s verdict, noting that since his ascension to the throne of his forefathers, he had consistently preached unity and inclusiveness as the foundation for sustainable development.

The monarch disclosed that arrangements had been concluded for a grand Oro Day celebration, which would include the commissioning of a centralized palace complex comprising a main hall, residential buildings, chalets, and other ultra-modern facilities.

He also revealed that a newly constructed cultural village would be unveiled as part of activities marking the festivities.

According to the Oloro, the cultural village was built to showcase Oro Kingdom’s rich history, customs, and artistic expressions, serving as a centre for cultural education, tourism, and the preservation and transmission of indigenous values to future generations.

Oba Joel Olaniyi Titiloye Oyatoye Olufayo II therefore urged all invited guests, as well as sons and daughters of Oro Kingdom, to come out en masse to celebrate Oro Day and further project the culture and traditions of the land.