*Calls for Respect of Constitutional Order, Offers Dialogue with Ayangburen’s Palace

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu Branch, has expressed strong disapproval over the decision to fix the 2025 Oro (Liwe) Festival for June 12—Nigeria’s Democracy Day—describing it as a disregard for democratic principles and the rule of law.

In a formal letter dated June 11, 2025, addressed to His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, and signed by the Branch Chairperson, Olasunbo Olawunmi Adeola; Secretary, Michael Olamona; and Public Interest Committee Chair, Bidemi Sulola, the NBA stated that fixing the festival on a day set aside to celebrate Nigeria’s return to civil rule undermines the constitutional rights of citizens.

The Association recalled that a similar concern was raised on May 27, when the Magbo Festival coincided with Children’s Day. According to the letter, the NBA had written a letter of protest to the palace on that occasion, which was acknowledged but never responded to.

“It is disheartening to hear that the second part of the ‘Oro’—the Liwe Festival—has again been scheduled on another public holiday, Democracy Day, a symbolic occasion in Nigeria’s civic history,” the NBA stated. “This infringes on the rights of citizens to partake in activities commemorating the day and reflects a troubling pattern of disregard for constitutional freedoms.”

While acknowledging the cultural and spiritual significance of the Oro Festival, the Bar emphasized that “tradition must exist in harmony with the evolving principles of our democratic society.”

“The imposition of movement restrictions under the guise of tradition on such a symbolic day undermines the ideals of constitutional democracy,” the letter continued.

The NBA noted that its Human Rights Committee traditionally carries out police station visits on Democracy Day to monitor unlawful detentions—a civic duty it said is now endangered by movement restrictions associated with the festival.

The letter cited Sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution and key court rulings such as Mojekwu v. Mojekwu and Yinka Ogundimu v. Baale of Igboore & Ors, which emphasize that cultural practices must yield to constitutional rights.

“It is our respectful reminder that Ikorodu, as a component of Lagos State and Nigeria, is subject to constitutional order,” the Association said, urging the palace to “align our rich traditions with modern democratic values.”

While the Bar expressed willingness to continue dialogue with the palace, it warned that it would take further steps to address the violation of civic rights if its concerns remain unaddressed.

The NBA commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his support for constitutional governance and expressed hope that the state government and relevant authorities will intervene to prevent further clashes between cultural practices and democratic norms.

Cc’d on the letter were:

  1. The President, Nigerian Bar Association
  2. The Executive Governor of Lagos State
  3. The Chief Judge of Lagos State
  4. The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation
  5. The Attorney-General of Lagos State

The Bar concluded with a prayer for wisdom, peace, and a reign marked by unity between culture and the rule of law.

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