The new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has announced plans to renovate the historic Alaafin’s palace in Oyo town, calling the reconstruction long overdue. He assured that the project will preserve the palace’s traditional and cultural heritage.
In an interview with Nigerian Tribune on Saturday, Oba Owoade explained that the palace, built nearly 200 years ago by Atiba ‘Latunbosun, the first Alaafin of the present-day Oyo, has never undergone a major renovation.
“If you’ve visited the Aafin, you’ll agree that it’s in need of repairs. Some buildings need to be renovated, and others need to be newly constructed,” he said. “We are aiming to rebuild the palace while maintaining its cultural and traditional integrity.”
The monarch also paid tribute to his late predecessor, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, praising him for his significant contributions to promoting Yoruba culture. “I commend Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi for his outstanding efforts in showcasing Yoruba culture. I intend to continue from where he left off and elevate our culture and tradition,” he stated.
Reflecting on his path to the throne, Oba Owoade shared that he initially declined to participate in the selection for the Alaafin title. “I was in Canada when my family, the Mogajis, called me about contesting for the Alaafin title. I wasn’t interested at first,” he recalled. “But after some persuasion, I agreed, and here I am today as the Alaafin of Oyo.”
Having lived abroad for over 20 years—nine years in England and 12 years in Canada—Oba Owoade remembered the moment he learned of his selection. “It was around 5 a.m. in Canada when I checked my phone and saw a message from my younger brother. It had a link with the headline: ‘Governor Makinde approves Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as Alaafin-elect.’ I thought it was a prank,” he said.
On his vision for Oyo and Yorubaland, the new Alaafin focused on youth empowerment, unity, peace, and cultural preservation. “The people need jobs, security, and peace of mind. My immediate concern is to create employment opportunities for our youths and take them off the streets,” he shared. He also revealed plans to offer vocational training in crafts, trades, and cybersecurity for both graduates and underprivileged individuals.
Additionally, Oba Owoade announced plans to establish a community health center in Oyo, providing free medical services to the underprivileged, widows, and widowers. “I’ve already shipped in some medical equipment, and I believe the people of Oyo are aware of this,” he said.
To honor those who have contributed to the development of Oyo, the Alaafin mentioned that certain streets would be named after notable figures, both living and deceased.