Oba Abimbola Owoade of Oyo has announced plans to renovate the ancient Alaafin’s palace in Oyo town, describing it as long overdue for reconstruction while assuring all that the project will retain its traditional and cultural heritage.
At a coronation ceremony held at Olivet Heights Baptist School, the new monarch received his staff of office from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and used his first royal address to outline an ambitious vision to rebuild the kingdom, starting with its people, its infrastructure and its cultural legacy.
Oba Owoade said his reign will prioritise the reconstruction of the historic Alaafin’s palace, which has stood for nearly 200 years without major renovation, promising that the revitalisation would preserve the palace’s traditional essence.
“If you have been to the Aafin, you will agree with me that it needs some repairs,” he said.
“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.”
The monarch, who spent over two decades abroad, including 12 years in Canada and 9 in the UK, described his return to Oyo as a calling.
“I initially turned down the idea of contesting for the throne. But after some persuasion, I gave in. Thank God I am here today, and I am in Oyo to stay,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, Oba Owoade, flanked by his wife, thanked those who supported him through the process. “Your unwavering support, encouragement and belief in me have been my constant source of inspiration,” he said.
In a message delivered on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the monarch was urged to use his revered stool to promote peace, preserve Yoruba heritage, and support national development.
Oba Owoade responded with a passionate call for unity and collaboration, especially with Oyo indigenes in the diaspora. He stressed that the transformation of Oyo must be a collective effort involving knowledge sharing, innovation, and structured partnerships.
“Whenever our brothers and sisters in diaspora come home, they shouldn’t be complainers. They should be partners and partakers in the development of their homeland,” he said. “By pooling our resources, expertise and diversity, we can achieve far more together than any individual could achieve alone.”
The monarch revealed plans to empower youth through vocational and tech-based training, particularly in trades, crafts, and cybersecurity.
He also announced a forthcoming community health center that will provide free medical services for widows, widowers and the less privileged.
“We must get our youths off the streets. The people need jobs, they need security and peace of mind,” he stated.
Oba Owoade also pledged to honour those who have contributed to the growth of the kingdom, saying select streets would be named after notable individuals, both living and deceased.
He further praised his predecessor, the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, for his work in projecting Yoruba culture and vowed to build on that legacy.
“I commend Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi. He did very well in promoting Yoruba culture and tradition. I want to take it from where he left it and take our heritage to the next level,” he said.
As he embarks on his reign, Oba Owoade says Oyo’s revival will be built on three key pillars: unity, innovation and cultural pride.
He concluded that “In this technology-driven age, meaningful partnerships are the foundation for success. The future of Oyo starts now and it starts with all of us.”
