The ancient town of Oro in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, North Central Nigeria was aglow with colour, pageantry and cultural splendour as dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond gathered to celebrate the first coronation anniversary of the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II, alongside the annual Oro Day celebration.
The historic event attracted an array of traditional rulers, political leaders, captains of industry, cultural enthusiasts and foreign guests, underscoring Oro Kingdom’s growing profile as a centre of culture, unity and development.
The celebration was further enlivened by a thrilling live performance from Fuji music icon, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (K1 De Ultimate), to the delight of guests.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by his deputy, Mr. Kayode Alabi; the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, represented by the first Kuliyan Ngeri of Ilorin, Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN); and His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I.
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Other notable traditional rulers present included the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Abolaji Yahaya Muhammed Atoloye Alebiosu; the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II; and the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba AbdulRaheem Adeoti.
Political and business leaders at the event included Chief Bola Yusuf of KAM Holding Nigeria Limited; Hon. Raheem Olawuyi Ajuloopin, member representing Ekiti, Irepodun, Isin and Oke Ero Federal Constituency; the Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye; Otunba Muwagun of Oro Kingdom; and the Oloriewe of Oro Kingdom, Chief Raheem Adedoyin, among others.
In his address, Oba Olaniyi Olufayo II described the celebration as a thanksgiving for peace, unity and progress in Oro Kingdom since his ascension to the throne.
He noted that within one year of his reign, the kingdom had successfully constructed a central palace, which he described as a symbol of shared heritage, unity and peaceful coexistence among the people.
“This palace stands as evidence of what we can achieve when we work together as brothers and sisters of the same lineage,” the monarch said.
“It represents our collective patrimony and our resolve to move Oro Kingdom forward.”
The Oloro reaffirmed his commitment to attracting development to the kingdom, pledging to continue leveraging partnerships with well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations and government institutions.
He added that the kingdom had been opened to local and foreign investors willing to partner in its development journey.
“Our vision is to restore the glory of Oro Kingdom by turning it into a tourist destination and one of Nigeria’s emerging industrial hubs,” he said.
He therefore called on all sons and daughters of Oro, both at home and in the diaspora, to support the transformation agenda.
Collective Responsibility
Guest speaker at the event and former Kwara State Commissioner for Information and Home Affairs, Chief Raheem Adedoyin, emphasised the need for collective responsibility in harnessing Oro Kingdom’s abundant human and natural resources.
He noted that Oba Olaniyi Titiloye Olufayo II had, since ascending the throne, embarked on international engagements to promote the kingdom’s cultural heritage and attract foreign partnerships.
Chief Adedoyin who is the Oloriewe of Oro Kingdom, commended the monarch for the construction of a central palace and cultural village, describing them as landmark projects that would preserve Oro’s traditions and boost tourism.
On his part, the Executive Secretary of NICO and Otunba Muwagun of Oro Kingdom, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, said the Oloro had significantly elevated the social and cultural standing of Oro Kingdom within a short period, adding that the monarch’s leadership style had placed the kingdom on a national cultural map.
Also speaking, the Asojuoba of Oro Kingdom, Chief Taiwo Mustapha, described Oro Day as a historic platform for showcasing the kingdom’s rich cultural beliefs and traditions, and harped on the need to further promote the culture.
The Asiwaju of Oro Kingdom, retired Rear Admiral A.B. Afolayan, praised the monarch’s energy, vision and investment-driven approach to development.
Chief Maryam Iyadunni Kamaru of KAM Holding Limited said the annual Oro Day celebration would further strengthen unity and communal bonds among indigenes.
A Chinese guest, Mr. Liu Hongbing, who was honoured with the royal title of Aare Atunluse of Oro Kingdom, described Nigeria as a nation of rich and diverse cultures deserving global attention.
He pledged to strengthen cultural and economic ties between China and Nigeria, particularly with Oro Kingdom.
In his remarks, Hon. Raheem Olawuyi Ajuloopin said Oro Day provided a vital platform for promoting the kingdom’s cultural heritage and called on indigenes to return home and invest in local development initiatives.
The Youth Leader of the kingdom, Mr. John Adefila, urged unity among the people, encouraging all sons and daughters of Oro Kingdom to set aside differences and rally behind the Oloro’s vision for sustainable growth and progress.