The newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has shared his vision for the future of Oyo town, beginning with plans to rebuild the nearly 200-year-old Alaafin’s palace without erasing its deep-rooted cultural significance.
In an interview with Nigerian Tribune, the monarch described the palace, originally constructed by Atiba ‘Latunbosun—the first Alaafin in the current Oyo location—as overdue for a major facelift. While acknowledging its historical importance, he noted the structure has never undergone full reconstruction since it was first built.
“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 said.
Oba Owoade also took time to remember his predecessor, the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, for his dedication to upholding Yoruba customs and values. “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 said.
Recalling his journey to the throne, the king revealed that he was initially uninterested in the royal title. “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,” he said. “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 spent over two decades living abroad, with nine years in the United Kingdom and 12 years in Canada. It was during his time overseas that he received surprising news of his appointment. “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.
Looking ahead, the monarch shared key areas of focus during his reign, especially addressing the needs of the youth. He noted the urgency in creating job opportunities and reducing unemployment in the town. Vocational training in areas such as crafts, trades, and cybersecurity will be introduced to benefit both graduates and those with little formal education.
To improve healthcare access, Oba Owoade revealed that he has already begun shipping in medical equipment to support a new community health centre. This facility will offer free treatment to residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as widows and widowers. “I have shipped in some hospital equipment and I think the whole of Oyo is aware of this,” he said.
