The newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has unveiled plans to renovate the ancient Alaafin’s palace in Oyo town, calling the reconstruction long overdue while assuring that the project will retain its cultural and traditional heritage. Speaking in an interview published by Nigerian Tribune on Saturday, Oba Owoade highlighted the need for a major overhaul of the historic palace, which has stood for nearly 200 years since it was originally built by Atiba ‘Latunbosun, the first Alaafin of the present-day Oyo.
“If you have been to the Aafin, you will agree with me that it needs some repairs. Some new buildings need to be constructed, and some need to be renovated,” Oba Owoade said, emphasizing the necessity for the upgrades. He further assured that the renovations would not compromise the palace’s cultural integrity. “We are looking at reconstructing the palace without compromising the standard, culture, and tradition,” he added, expressing his commitment to preserving the historical significance of the palace.
The monarch also took time to honor his predecessor, the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who served as Alaafin of Oyo for several decades before his passing. Oba Owoade commended Oba Adeyemi for his efforts in promoting Yoruba culture and traditions, recognizing the monumental impact his predecessor had in shaping the region’s cultural legacy. “I commend Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi, my immediate predecessor. He really did very well in properly projecting Yoruba culture and tradition. I want to take it from where he left it and take our culture and tradition to the next level,” he remarked.
Reflecting on his journey to the throne, Oba Owoade revealed that he initially declined the offer to contest for the Alaafin title. He shared that while he was living in Canada at the time, his family, the Mogajis, urged him to participate in the contest. Initially hesitant, he eventually relented after much persuasion. “I was in Canada when my family—the Mogajis—called and asked if I wanted to participate in the contest for the next Alaafin. I said I was not interested,” Oba Owoade recalled. “But after some persuasion, I gave in. Thank God I am here today as the Alaafin and I am in Oyo to stay.”
Oba Owoade, who lived abroad for over 20 years, including nine years in England and another 12 years in Canada, recounted the moment he learned of his selection as the next Alaafin. He revealed that he received the news while asleep in Canada, and initially thought it was a joke. “Around 5 o’clock Canadian time, I woke up and checked my phone. I saw a message from my younger brother with a link. The headline read: ‘Governor Makinde approves Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as Alaafin-elect’. I thought it was a prank,” he said, laughing at the disbelief he initially felt.
On his agenda for Oyo and the wider Yorubaland, the new Alaafin underscored the importance of youth empowerment, peace, unity, and cultural preservation. “The people need jobs, they need security and peace of mind. Of immediate concern is the need to get our teeming youths gainfully employed and take them off the streets,” he emphasized. Oba Owoade revealed plans to provide vocational training in various fields, including crafts, trades, and cybersecurity, aimed at benefiting both the underprivileged and graduates in the region.
In addition to his focus on youth empowerment, the Alaafin also discussed plans to establish a community health center in Oyo that would offer free medical services to the underprivileged, widows, and widowers. “I have shipped in some hospital equipment and I think the whole of Oyo is aware of this,” he disclosed, highlighting his commitment to improving the healthcare system in the region.
To further honor individuals who have contributed significantly to the development of Oyo, Oba Owoade revealed plans to name some streets after notable personalities, both living and departed. This move, he explained, would serve as a tribute to those who have left a lasting impact on the community and would help preserve their legacy.
