•••We’re proud of you, Oro people are lucky to have you, Says Alaafin Oyo
By Saeed Tijjani
An historic day dawned and a new era began on Monday as thousands gathered in the ancient town of Oro, in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria, for a vibrant display of cultural heritage and values at the maiden Gbagede Oba festival.
The Gbagede Oba festival in Oro brought together locals and visitors to pay homage to the Oloro the paramount ruler of the Oro Kingdom and to celebrate its rich cultural heritage.
The event, a vibrant union of traditional drummers, dancers, masquerade displays, and musicians, vividly narrated the tale of a people deeply connected to their roots and cultural values.
“Gbagede Oba,” a Yoruba phrase meaning “Arena of the King,” is a visionary idea by the young and energetic Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II. Its purpose is to promote the rich cultural heritage and values of the people of Oro Kingdom, which comprises nine different communities.
The event marks a significant historical shift, as it is the first time this cultural display has been openly recognized and accorded full attention by the Oloro-in-Council to be celebrated. This new approach deviates from how it has been celebrated for decades as “Ojude Oba,” which was primarily planned and funded by the youth of the Kingdom who would traditionally move to the palace during a procession to seek royal blessings from their monarch.
The 2025 Gbagede Oba Oloro of Oro Kingdom is unequivocally the first in history to openly celebrate the rich tapestry, culture, and values of the people of Oro Kingdom across the globe.
The event, held at the newly constructed Oro Kingdom Central Palace in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, under the paramount rulership of His Royal Majesty, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II, witnessed the presence of crème de la crème.
Among the distinguished guests was His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, Iku Baba Yeye, the Alaafin of Oyo, accompanied by his wife, Olori Abiwumi Owoade. This visit was notably the first ever by any Alaafin of Oyo to the soil of Oro Kingdom, creating a truly colorful and fulfilling cultural outing for the people of Oro Kingdom, who thronged out in large numbers to catch a glimpse of their King’s close friend, regarded as a foremost Traditional leader in Yorubaland.
In his opening remarks, Oba Oyatoye, the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, expressed that witnessing such a day was indeed a dream come true for him and the Kingdom.
The revered monarch stated that his motivation is being propelled by the betterment of his people and the development of his Kingdom.
“Gbagede Oba” is a unique cultural event unveiled to celebrate our culture, heritage, and our values as Yoruba and the people of Igbomina, he said.
Oba Oyatoye extended appreciation to all those who had offered support towards the construction of the central palace and Gbagede Oba to make it a reality.
Thanking His Imperial Majesty Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, Oloro praised him for his support and royal accord, and for always extending hands of partnership to him and the people of Oro Kingdom for their betterment and to sustain the bond between Oro and the Oyo empire.
Speaking at the event, His Excellency, the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, ably represented by his Special Adviser and Counselor, Alhaji Salaudeen Sa’ad, lauded the cultural initiative as one of a kind and a maiden one to have ever been officially witnessed by the Government in history.
“Today, I’m pleased to witness this historic gathering by the people of Oro Kingdom,” he said.
My sincerest congratulations to His Royal Majesty, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II, for this unprecedented development. We are convinced that your reign, within the shortest period of time, has ushered in global recognition which has put the Kingdom on the world map,” the Governor’s representative stated.
By this, you have confirmed that the people of Oro Kingdom have made the best choice in making you their monarch,” he added.
He further emphasized, “Our Government historically holds the record as the only Government that has full regard for traditional rulers and has always carried the traditional institution along in any of our people-oriented policies.
“Today is a confirmation that our collective responsibility and relationship are driving our various communities towards the desired point, He said .
AbdulRazaq also expressed gratitude to the Alaafin of Oyo for gracing the gathering while reassuring that his government would continue to support the traditional institution.
Speaking as the Royal Father of the Day, His Imperial Majesty Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, Iku Baba Yeye, the Alaafin of Oyo, congratulated the people of the Kingdom for their historical achievements, acknowledging that they have made the best choice in Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II as the Oloro of Oro Kingdom.
Recalling their shared moments while in Canada, Alaafin testified that Oba Oyatoye is always committed to promoting the Yoruba culture and heritage.
“Oloro is a very good man who has a good heart towards the development of his Kingdom and the people,” Alaafin stated.
“I have known him as far back as many years while in Canada; he’s a very good brother and friend whose vision towards promoting culture and the Nigerian heritage aligned with mine,” said the revered King.
Oba Abimbola emphasized that it is not a mistake that God made them kings in the same year; it is pre-ordained and orchestrated by Eledumare that we both have a good course for our people and our Kingdom.”
Alaafin urged all sons and daughters of Oro Kingdom to accord Oba Oyatoye the needed support and cooperation to enable him achieve success in his reign.
He offered his sincerest prayers for Oba Oyatoye, supplicating that no evil will befall the Kingdom and his reigns will keep witnessing more unprecedented development and achievements.
In his closing remarks, the Asiwaju of Oro Kingdom, Rear Admiral Azeez Bayo Afolayan (Rtd), thanked all the dignitaries for gracing the occasion, specially expressing gratitude to His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, for being in attendance despite his tight schedules.
Asiwaju commended all the organizing committee for the success of the event while appreciating the Kwara State government for their continuous support.
The event also featured the unveiling of the seal of the Oloro of Oro Kingdom by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, alongside his wife Olori Abiwumi Owoade, traditional leaders, Asoju Oba Oloro Kingdom, Asiwaju of Oro Kingdom, top government functionaries, among others.
In attendance were a host of dignitaries including the Olupo of Ajase Ipo, Olusin of Ijara Isin, the Oyomesi, Kwara Deputy Governor (represented by the Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Institute For Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, who is also the Muwagun of Oro Kingdom), Special Assistant on Transportation to the Lagos State Governor, Hon. Toyin Aremu, popular Nollywood Actor Alhaji Yinka Quadri, Professor Wale Sulaiman, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, among other notable personalities. Also present were the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Alhaji Abdulrasaq Jiddah, and the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area in Kwara State, Hon. Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf.
Pictures from the event;
