By OlamiotanAfolabi
It was a weekend of colour, culture and celebration in the ancient town of Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, as indigenes and friends of the community joined the Oloba of Uso, His Royal Majesty, Oba Engr. (Dr.) Ademola Adebiyi Oyinbade, PhD, Olanipekun III, to commemorate the 2025 edition of Uso Day.
The biennial event, held on Saturday, November 1, at the Uso Democracy Park beside the Oloba’s palace, was the climax of a week-long series of activities that included a Jumat service, church crusade, football matches and vibrant cultural displays by diverse ethnic groups such as the Igala, Idoma, Ebira, Akwa Ibom, Igbo, and Owo.
The 2025 edition of Uso Day was yet another memorable testament to the community’s resilience,unity and cultural pride, a reflection of the people’s shared commitment to preserving their heritage and promoting sustainable development in Uso land.
Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, represented by former Attorney-General of the State, Barrister Kola Olawoye, who chaired the event; the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor, Hon. Kola Falohun; the Bishop of Owo Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi, who was the Spiritual Father of the Day, and the Member representing Owo Constituency II in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Atinuke Witherspoon, who was the Mother of the Day.
The event was also attended by the Olowo of Owo and Chairman, Council of Obas and Olowo of Owo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, who was the Royal Father of the Day; the Aladesonyin and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom in Epe Division of Lagos State, HRM Oba Dr. Babatunde Ola Ogunlaja; the Acting Chairman of Owo Local Government, Hon. Hamed Ibrahim, and the Special Adviser to the Ondo State Government on Political Mobilisation, Hon. Omosuwa Olayemi Maxwell, among other traditional rulers and eminent personalities.
In his royal address, Oba Oyinbade expressed profound gratitude to God for the grace granted to the people of Uso to witness yet another historic celebration. He described the day as one that symbolises love, unite, and peace within the community.
“Uso Day is observed on the first Saturday of November every two years. It symbolises liberation, following the tragic political crisis of November 3, 1975, during which many lives were lost.
“It is not a festival, but a community celebration designed to reunite our people, showcase our cultural heritage, and foster growth and development in Uso,” the monarch stated.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Prince Dada Afolayan, in his remarks, said the biennial event serves as a rallying point for indigenes to promote unity, culture and community development.
“This programme provides an opportunity to celebrate our rich cultural heritage and demonstrate the uniqueness of Uso. It remains a veritable platform for driving development and strengthening the bond among our people,” he noted.
Also speaking, Professor (Chief) Boboye Fasuyi emphasised that Uso Day commemorates the historical migration and enduring legacy of the town’s ancestors.
“The celebration honours the memory of our forefathers and reaffirms our collective resolve to sustain peace, love and unity among our people and neighbouring communities,” he said.
Highlights of the grand finale included the cutting of the anniversary cake by the Oloba, conferment of chieftaincy titles on distinguished indigenes, presentation of awards and reading of citations and biographies of newly installed chiefs.