Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, has unveiled plans to restore the historic Alaafin’s palace in Oyo, noting the structure is in urgent need of reconstruction. He assured that while renovations are necessary, the palace’s “standard, culture and tradition” would be preserved.
In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, the monarch highlighted that the palace, constructed nearly two centuries ago by Atiba ‘Latunbosun, the first Alaafin of modern-day Oyo, has never seen a full-scale renovation.
“If you have been to the Aafin, you will agree with me that it needs some repairs,” he said, adding that both new constructions and renovations are required to improve the palace’s condition.
He praised his predecessor, the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, for his role in advancing Yoruba customs. “I commend Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi, my immediate predecessor… I want to take it from where he left it and take our culture and tradition to the next level,” he stated.
Oba Owoade also shared personal details of his path to the throne, revealing he initially declined the opportunity. “I was in Canada when my family—the Mogajis—called… I said I was not interested,” he said. However, he later accepted and expressed gratitude for his emergence, saying, “Thank God I am here today as the Alaafin and I am in Oyo to stay.”
Having spent over two decades abroad—including nine years in England and twelve in Canada—he recalled the moment he received news of his selection: “Around 5 o’clock Canadian time… I saw a message… The headline read: ‘Governor Makinde approves Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as Alaafin-elect’. I thought it was a prank.”
On his developmental plans, the monarch outlined priorities such as job creation, youth empowerment, peace, and cultural continuity. “The people need jobs, they need security and peace of mind,” he stressed, revealing ongoing plans to provide training in trades, crafts, and cybersecurity.
He also announced an initiative to establish a community health centre offering free medical care to vulnerable groups in Oyo, including widows and widowers. “I have shipped in some hospital equipment and I think the whole of Oyo is aware of this,” he remarked.
To recognize key contributors to Oyo’s progress, Oba Owoade disclosed that streets would be named in honour of distinguished individuals, both past and present.