The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu Branch, has criticized the decision of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, to fix the 2025 Oro (Liwe) Festival for June 12, Nigeria’s nationally recognized Democracy Day.
In a letter addressed to the monarch and copied to key legal and government authorities, the NBA described the move as a “disregard for democratic principles and the rule of law.”
The lawyers said the palace’s decision to hold the traditional festival on a public holiday that commemorates Nigeria’s return to civil rule undermines constitutional freedoms and civic values.
“It is disheartening to hear that the second part of the Oro, which is the Liwe Festival, has been scheduled for another public holiday declared by the Federal Government to commemorate the return of civil rule to Nigeria,” the letter stated.
The NBA noted that such a move could infringe on citizens’ rights to freely participate in Democracy Day activities and demonstrates a “troubling encroachment on civic liberty.” The group warned that imposing movement restrictions under the guise of tradition on a symbolic day like June 12 contradicts the spirit of democratic celebration and national unity.
In its letter, signed by Chairperson Olawunmi Adeola and Secretary Michael Olamona, the NBA reminded the traditional ruler that cultural practices must not violate the Nigerian Constitution.
Citing Sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, and key judgments such as Mojekwu v. Mojekwu and Yinka Ogundimu v. Baale of Igboore & Ors, the NBA emphasized that constitutional rights supersede traditional customs.
“These provisions are not aspirational ideals; they are sacrosanct provisions of the laws which all institutions, including traditional ones, must adhere to,” the association stated.
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The lawyers also recalled a recent incident in which the Magbo Festival was held on May 27—Children’s Day—causing children in Ikorodu to miss out on national celebrations. The NBA revealed that its previous letter to the palace raising objections about the Magbo Festival went unanswered.
The group expressed growing concern about what it sees as a “pattern of disregard for civic significance and constitutional rights,” following the recent shift of another major cultural festival to Democracy Day.
While reaffirming respect for the cultural and spiritual importance of the Liwe Festival, the NBA called on the Ayangburen-in-Council to reschedule the festival to avoid conflict with Democracy Day and the constitutional rights of residents.
“Our position is not antagonistic to traditions. Rather, it is grounded in our responsibilities as officers in the temple of justice to uphold the rule of law and defend constitutional freedoms,” the NBA Ikorodu Branch stated.
The association warned that failure to address the issue could lead to legal or civic actions to protect the rights of residents.
The letter was also copied to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Governor of Lagos State, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Attorney-General of Lagos State.
