Eid Celebration: ANLCA Board Chairman Hosts Alaafin of Oyo

BY FUNMI ALUKO

Mustapha, Oba Owoade and His Olori

The Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha on Monday 9th of June 2025 had the rare privilege of hosting the foremost first class Yoruba paramount ruler, His Imperial Majesty the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade 1 in his country home Oro in kwara state.

The Iku baba yeye who was in Oro town to honour the community invitation to its inaugural Gbagede Oba cultural day; similar to the Ijebu Ojude Oba festival. The Gbagede Oba day is a cultural event that celebrates the unique values and richness of the Oro kingdom.

The Alaafin cknowledging greetings from Mustapha’s family

The visit which was arranged to accentuate the after Eid special prayers, provided the accomplished business tycoon and leading customs broker the opportunity to fete the royal father and his Olori, as well as afford his immediate family the opportunity to greet the oba and receive royal blessing.

Speaking at the Oro Cultural Day, Oba Owoade 1 charged sons and daughters of Oro to continue to live in peace and harmony, and to continue to cooperate with the new king, Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi  Oyatoye Olufayo 11 so as  to develop the kingdom for the peace, progress and prosperity of all.

L-R: Mustapha, Oloro of Oro and the Alaafin

According to Alhaji Mustapha, the visit symbolizes the unpretentious personality of the revered monarch who portrays a special love and attention for his subjects and the entire Yoruba race.

“The visit of the Alaafin is an honour for me and my family, and demonstrates his amiable personality to mingle with his subject and people. I cannot thank His Royal Majesty enough, and l wish him long life, good health and prosperity on the throne.”

Mustapha, the Asoju Oba of Oro Kingdom explained that the Gbagede Oba day is an annual event marking the fourth day after every Sallah celebration, and in which the Oloro of Oro sits in supreme splendor together with the chiefs-in-council, as his subjects and visitors from far and wide entertain themselves with dances and various displays, temporal and spiritual.