The New Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has revealed plans to renovate the historic Alaafin’s palace in Oyo town, describing the move as long overdue but assuring that the project will not erase the site’s rich cultural heritage.
Speaking in an interview published by Nigerian Tribune, the monarch said the palace, built nearly 200 years ago by Atiba ‘Latunbosun—the first Alaafin in the present-day Oyo—has never had a full reconstruction.
“If you’ve been to the Aafin (palace), you’ll agree with me that it needs serious repairs. Some parts need rebuilding, while others will be renovated. But we’ll do this without tampering with our culture or tradition,” he said.
The new alaafin of Oyo (Oba Owoade) also praised the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, for his strong commitment to promoting Yoruba culture. “My predecessor did a great job. I’m taking it from where he stopped and will push our tradition further,” he added.
Reflecting on his unexpected path to the throne, Oba Owoade revealed that he initially rejected the idea of becoming Alaafin while living in Canada. “I wasn’t interested at first. But after my family persuaded me, I accepted. I’m grateful I did, and I’m here in Oyo to stay,” he said.
The monarch, who lived abroad for over 20 years—spending nine years in England and 12 in Canada—shared that he found out about his selection while asleep. “I woke up around 5am Canadian time and saw a message from my brother. It was a news headline saying I had been approved as Alaafin-elect. I thought it was a joke,” he recalled.
Now fully installed as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Owoade says his major priorities are youth empowerment, unity, peace, and cultural preservation. He plans to launch free vocational training in trades, crafts, and even cybersecurity to support both the underprivileged and graduates.
He also announced plans for a new community health centre offering free medical services to widows, widowers, and the poor. “I’ve already shipped in some hospital equipment, and many people in Oyo are aware of this,” he said.
To honour those who have contributed to Oyo’s development, the king revealed that some streets in the town will soon be named after both late and living notable personalities.