The newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has officially announced his ambitious plans to rebuild the iconic Alaafin’s palace located in Oyo town. The royal project, which the monarch describes as both “urgent and overdue,” aims to restore and modernize the structure while preserving its deep cultural significance.
In a detailed conversation with the Nigerian Tribune, Oba Owoade emphasized that the palace, originally built almost two centuries ago by Atiba Latunbosun—the very first Alaafin in present-day Oyo—has not seen any major reconstruction since its establishment. The king noted that despite the structure's symbolic importance to the Yoruba people, time and nature have taken a toll on the edifice.
Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade.
“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,” the king stated, highlighting the urgent need for both preservation and modernization.
The planned renovation will prioritize safeguarding the historical essence of the palace while introducing necessary infrastructural upgrades. The Alaafin reassured the public that the work will be done in a way that upholds the traditions and values the palace represents. “We are looking at reconstructing the palace without compromising the standard, culture, and tradition,” he said.
In the same interview, Oba Owoade took a moment to honor his predecessor, the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, whom he praised for his strong advocacy for Yoruba heritage. “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 affirmed.
Recounting his surprising rise to the throne, Oba Owoade disclosed that he initially had no interest in vying for the title of Alaafin. Having lived abroad for over 20 years, he said he woke up in Canada one morning to find out he had been chosen as the Alaafin-elect. This turn of events marked a new chapter in his life, filled with responsibility and purpose.
Since assuming the throne, Oba Owoade has laid out a progressive vision for Oyo Kingdom. His plans include launching youth empowerment initiatives, promoting peace and unity, and preserving Yoruba cultural values. As part of this vision, he also intends to establish vocational training centers to help young people acquire practical skills and become self-reliant.
In addition, the king is working on building a community health center that will offer free medical services to the people of Oyo, particularly the less privileged. These social interventions, he noted, are designed to ensure that the monarchy remains relevant and beneficial to the lives of everyday citizens.
To further preserve the legacies of notable individuals who have made positive impacts on the town, the monarch revealed plans to name streets after such personalities. This, he believes, will inspire future generations to contribute meaningfully to the development of Oyo.