From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The ancient town of Oro in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, came alive with cultural splendour recently as the kingdom marked 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 event, which drew prominent traditional rulers, political leaders, business executives and guests from within and outside Nigeria, showcased Oro Kingdom’s rich heritage while projecting a renewed vision for unity and development.
Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi, joined other dignitaries including the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, represented by Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN), and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I.
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Other monarchs present were 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.
The celebration was further spiced with a live performance by Fuji music legend, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (K1 De Ultimate), as guests soaked in the colourful display of culture and tradition.
In his address, Oba Olaniyi Olufayo II, described the anniversary as a moment of thanksgiving for peace, unity and steady progress in Oro Kingdom since his ascension to the throne.
According to him, one of the major milestones of his first year on the throne was the construction of a central palace, which he said symbolises collective identity 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 determination to drive development in the kingdom, stressing that his administration remains open to partnerships with government, corporate organisations and investors, both local and foreign.
“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, calling on sons and daughters of Oro, at home and in the diaspora, to support the transformation drive.
Guest speaker and former Kwara State Commissioner for Information and Home Affairs, Chief Raheem Adedoyin, urged stakeholders to take collective responsibility in harnessing the kingdom’s human and natural resources for growth.
Chief Adedoyin, who is also the Oloriewe of Oro Kingdom, commended the monarch for embarking on international engagements to promote Oro’s culture and attract partnerships, adding that the central palace and cultural village were landmark projects capable of boosting tourism and preserving tradition.
The Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, described the Oloro as a visionary leader who has elevated the cultural and social standing of Oro Kingdom within a short time.
According to him, “The Oloro’s leadership has placed Oro Kingdom on the national cultural map and given it renewed relevance in cultural discourse.”
Speaking on the significance of Oro Day, the Asojuoba of Oro Kingdom, Chief Taiwo Mustapha, said the celebration provides a historic platform for projecting the kingdom’s beliefs and traditions to a wider audience.
In his remarks, the Asiwaju of Oro Kingdom, retired Rear Admiral A.B. Afolayan, praised the monarch’s energy and investment-driven approach, describing his reign as purposeful and forward-looking.
Chief Maryam Iyadunni Kamaru of KAM Holding Limited noted that the annual Oro Day celebration would continue to strengthen unity and communal bonds among indigenes.
A foreign guest, Mr Liu Hongbing, who was honoured with the title of Aare Atunluse of Oro Kingdom, described Nigeria as a country blessed with rich and diverse cultures, pledging to deepen cultural and economic relations between China and Oro Kingdom.
Also speaking, Hon. Raheem Ajuloopin, representing Ekiti, Irepodun, Isin and Oke Ero Federal Constituency, said Oro Day serves as a veritable platform for cultural promotion, urging indigenes to return home and invest in local development.
The Youth Leader of Oro Kingdom, Mr John Adefila, called for unity among the people, encouraging all sons and daughters of the kingdom to rally behind the Oloro’s vision for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
