BATORO ANNUAL ORO FESTIVAL 2026 ENDS IN GRAND STYLE AS TRADITION, UNITY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE TAKE CENTRE STAGE

BATORO ANNUAL ORO FESTIVAL 2026 ENDS IN GRAND STYLE AS TRADITION, UNITY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE TAKE CENTRE STAGE

The ancient Batoro Kingdom, regarded as the foremost custodian and owner of the revered Oro deity in Remo Land, came alive as sons and daughters of the community gathered to celebrate the 2026 Annual Oro Festival—an age-old cultural and traditional event dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of the people while promoting peace, unity, and community development.

The three-phase celebration, held on Sunday, 28 June, Monday, 29 June, and Friday, 10 July 2026, attracted traditional rulers, chiefs, indigenes, and visitors from within and outside Ogun State.

The festivities commenced on Sunday, 28 June, with the traditional Ije-Isu rite at the palace of the Lowa Ibu of Batoro, His Royal Highness, Oba (Dr.) Adesegun Adedapo Ogunsola, Ojudun II, Sodunjo III. In keeping with ancient custom, giant pots of boiled yam were prepared and served to the monarch, chiefs, and members of the community as a symbol of gratitude for witnessing another Oro Festival and as prayers for continued peace, abundance, prosperity, and divine blessings upon Batoro Kingdom. The ceremony also provided an opportunity for residents to gather in an atmosphere of thanksgiving, unity, and cultural pride.

Later that evening, the community hosted a colourful Ladies’ Night, during which women of Batoro showcased the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage through traditional songs, dances, and cultural displays, highlighting the indispensable role of women in preserving and promoting the customs and traditions of the community.

Activities continued on Monday, 29 June, with the observance of various sacred Oro rites in accordance with the customs and traditions of the land. Community elders and custodians of tradition led the ceremonies, reaffirming the enduring significance of the Oro Festival as an institution that promotes morality, communal harmony, discipline, peace, and respect for the cherished cultural values of Batoro Kingdom.

The festival reached its colourful grand finale on Friday, 10 July 2026, attracting a large gathering of traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders, distinguished guests, and well-wishers. The event commenced with the Lowa Ibu of Batoro, His Royal Highness, Oba (Dr.) Adesegun Adedapo Ogunsola (Ojudun II, Sodunjo III), warmly receiving and welcoming guests to the celebration.

Among the royal fathers in attendance were His Royal Majesty, Oba Musiliu Oriyomi Soile, the Radanuwa of Idado; His Royal Majesty, Oba Olatunji Osho, the Odogun of Ipoji Kingdom; His Royal Highness, Oba (Dr.) Olayinka Oladunni, the Oloke of Oke Ariko; His Royal Majesty, Oba Abayomi Olatunji, the Alado of Ado; alongside several other revered traditional rulers whose presence underscored the importance and growing prestige of the annual festival.

The celebration was further enlivened by a captivating live performance from renowned Apala maestro Alhaji Musiliu Haruna Ishola, whose rich repertoire of traditional music thrilled guests and added glamour, excitement, and cultural splendour to the occasion.

As the musical performances continued into the evening, guests celebrated in an atmosphere of joy, unity, and camaraderie, bringing the 2026 Batoro Annual Oro Festival to a memorable close.

Speaking at the event, the Lowa Ibu of Batoro expressed profound appreciation to all sons and daughters of Batoro Kingdom, traditional institutions, community leaders, volunteers, and supporters whose unwavering commitment ensured the successful and peaceful conduct of the festival. He noted that the remarkable unity displayed throughout the celebrations reflects the enduring strength of the Batoro people and their collective resolve to preserve and promote their cultural heritage.

The successful conclusion of the 2026 Batoro Annual Oro Festival once again reaffirmed Batoro Kingdom’s position as a proud custodian of the Oro tradition in Remo Land and demonstrated the community’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its customs, strengthening communal bonds, and passing its rich cultural heritage to future generations.