- Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, has announced plans to rebuild the ancient Alaafin’s palace in Oyo town, a project he believes is long overdue.
- The Nigerian monarch revealed that the palace, built 200 years ago by Atiba Latunbosun, the first Alaafin in Oyo, has never undergone significant reconstruction.
Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the newly enthroned Alaafin of Oyo, has unveiled his plans to renovate the centuries-old Alaafin’s palace, a project he believes is long overdue.
In a detailed interview with the Nigerian Tribune, the monarch explained that the palace, originally built nearly 200 years ago by Atiba Latunbosun, the first Alaafin of modern-day Oyo, has yet to undergo substantial renovations. He emphasized the importance of addressing the building’s structural issues and ensuring it is fit for future generations while honoring its historical significance.
“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.” he stated
The monarch reassured that the upcoming renovations will preserve the palace’s cultural heritage while enhancing its structural integrity. “We are looking at reconstructing the palace without compromising the standard, culture, and tradition,” he affirmed.
Oba Owoade also took a moment to honor his predecessor, the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, for his remarkable efforts in championing 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,” Oba Owoade said.
Reflecting on his unexpected rise to the throne, the Alaafin revealed that he never intended to compete for the title. However, after being persuaded, he accepted the position. The monarch recounted how he was informed of his selection while in Canada, far from the political scene in Nigeria.
Beyond his vision for the palace, Oba Owoade is focused on empowering the youth, fostering peace, unity, and preserving cultural traditions. He plans to introduce vocational training programs, create job opportunities for young people, and establish a community health center that will provide free medical services to those in need.
Additionally, the Alaafin intends to honor influential figures in Oyo’s history by naming streets after them, ensuring their legacies are preserved for future generations.
