The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, on Tuesday officially moved into the historic Palace in Oyo town, nearly nine months after his installation as the new traditional ruler.
The development was confirmed in a statement by Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Oba Owoade had received his Staff of Office on Friday, April 5, 2025, from Governor Seyi Makinde, following the passing of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, in April 2022 at the age of 83. Oba Adeyemi’s 52-year reign made him the longest-serving Alaafin in history, and his death prompted mourning across the Yoruba community, with his burial conducted according to Islamic rites after traditional ceremonies.
At the presentation ceremony in 2025, Governor Makinde said: “On January 10, 2025, I applied my signature for the recommendation of Oyo Mesi for Oba Akeem Owoade to be a new Alaafin of Oyo. And on January 13, 2025, I presented a certificate of office to our Kabiyesi. I have done my work since, but today, I officially present to the entire world, the Alaafin of Oyo. Those who said they have not been told or heard or who are running up and down should come around and see the new Alaafin of Oyo.”
Durojaiye’s statement on Tuesday highlighted the extensive work done to restore the Palace, which had been left in ruins prior to Oba Owoade’s ascension.
“The ancient Palace was in ruins, and an empty shell, as all the facilities inside it were not only vandalised, but the structures in the edifice required urgent rehabilitation and reconstruction. But soon after he ascended the throne of his forefathers, Oba Owoade began the arduous task of rehabilitating part of the ancient Palace, thus preserving the tangible Yoruba cultural heritage,” he said.
The restoration work, supervised by the Alaafin’s Personal Assistant, Kolade Oladele, has revived the Palace’s artistic and architectural beauty.
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Durojaiye added: “The Palace structures, bold, sturdy and resilient as they stood, are radiating their timeless beauty and charm through well-structured layouts, carefully crafted columns, windows and doors, bearing the artistic patterns and imprints of the ancient Oyo art. Almost all the houses had courtyards, while the finer and stronger-looking structures had more than one courtyard. Each of the courtyards is surrounded by rooms that open into the courtyard. A visit to the ancient Palace will no doubt convince one that it is indeed a storehouse of Yoruba culture and tradition.”
He also described the Palace’s rich collection of art and craftsmanship: “The Palace is adorned with works of art, various forms of sculptures that include the carved wooden house posts, and door panels, which are the traditional status symbol of wealth and royalty. Modern figures of lions and hunters are made from mortals, while walls are decorated with mosaics and painted murals depicting scenes from life, as the decorated calabash and imaginary beings.”
Residents of Oyo town reportedly turned out in large numbers to welcome their monarch, expressing admiration for his leadership.
“The people, both young and old, love and admire their King as a serious-minded Paramount Ruler, Leader of thought, and Man of excellence for his unflinching commitment to development, peace, unity and mutual coexistence not only in the Kingdom, but the entire Yoruba race,” the statement concluded.
