Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has fixed December 22, 2025 for ruling on an application seeking to stop the celebration of Oro Day in Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.
The Presiding Judge, Justice Mahmoud Abdulgafar, adjourned the matter after counsel to both parties, Olasehinde Adeseko for the Otun Oro community and Tosin Samuel Alawode for the Oro Kingdom adopted their written addresses.
The suit was initiated by Chief Simeon Olayioye, Chief Gabriel Abioye, and Professor Bode Bojuwoye, who, on behalf of the Otun Oro community, sought an interlocutory injunction restraining the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Titiloye Oyatoye, along with John Olalekan Adefila Abiodun and Ishmael Aribidesi, or their agents, from celebrating Oro Day on December 24, 2025.
The applicants also asked the court to halt further publication or promotion of the event, including materials titled “Oro Day 2025/One Year Coronation Anniversary” circulated on Facebook.
Beyond the dispute over the cultural celebration, the plaintiffs challenged the jurisdiction of the Oloro of Oro Kingdom to use the title “Oro,” arguing that the name is reserved exclusively for their town.
In his response, counsel to the defendants, Barrister Tosin Alawode, urged the court to strike out the suits in their entirety for lack of merit and procedural defects.
He argued that Oro Day is an intellectual property and unifying festival that brings together sons and daughters of the entire Oro Kingdom to celebrate their shared history, culture, and values.
Alawode further explained that the Oro Kingdom comprises nine towns under the authority of the Oloro of Oro, questioning why one community would seek to prevent the remaining eight from participating in a historical celebration.
On the challenge on the use of Oro in the Oloro’s traditional title, Alawode maintained that the power to appoint traditional rulers rests with the state Governor.
He insisted that bearing the name “Oro” does not strip the Oloro of his jurisdiction over the nine communities collectively known as Ekun Mesan Oro.
After listening to the submissions of all parties, Justice Abdulgafar adjourned the matter to December 22 for ruling.
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