The newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has unveiled plans to rebuild the iconic Oyo palace, a cultural heritage landmark that has stood for nearly two centuries. The monarch described the much-needed renovation as long overdue, assuring that the project would honour the palace’s rich tradition while preserving its cultural integrity.
In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune on Saturday, Oba Owoade emphasized the necessity of reconstructing the palace, originally built almost 200 years ago by Atiba ‘Latunbosun, the first Alaafin of present-day Oyo. According to the king, the palace, which has not undergone major reconstruction since its creation, is in dire need of repairs.
“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. We are looking at reconstructing the palace without compromising the standard, culture, and tradition,” he stated.
Oba Owoade also paid tribute to his predecessor, the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, commending him for his contributions to promoting and preserving Yoruba culture. “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 added.
Reflecting on his own path to the throne, Oba Owoade revealed that he initially turned down the offer to contest for the Alaafin title. The monarch, who had lived abroad for over 20 years, explained that his family had persuaded him to take up the mantle. “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. But after some persuasion, I gave in. Thank God I am here today as the Alaafin and I am in Oyo to stay,” he recalled.
Oba Owoade, who lived in both England and Canada for nearly two decades, shared the moment he first heard of his selection as Alaafin. “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.
The new monarch’s agenda for Oyo and Yorubaland includes addressing youth empowerment, enhancing security, and fostering peace and unity. “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 explained.
Oba Owoade further shared plans to provide vocational training in various skills, including crafts, trades, and cybersecurity, aimed at both graduates and the less-privileged youth. Additionally, the monarch plans to establish a community health centre offering free medical services to vulnerable members of the Oyo community, especially widows and the underprivileged.
In recognition of those who have contributed to the development of Oyo, the Alaafin revealed that some streets in the town would be named after notable figures, both living and deceased, as a mark of respect and remembrance.
As the Oyo kingdom embarks on this new chapter under the leadership of Oba Owoade, the renovation of the palace stands as a symbol of the monarch’s commitment to preserving the cultural heritage while addressing pressing social and economic issues within the community.
