The newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has announced his intention to renovate the historic 200-year-old royal palace
The newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has revealed his plans to undertake a significant renovation of the ancient 200-year-old Alaafin’s palace situated in Oyo town.
Oba Owoade officially ascended the throne as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, succeeding the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, in a ceremony held at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo.
The event, attended by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and numerous other dignitaries, saw heightened security measures implemented throughout the city by the Oyo State Government to ensure the safety of all attendees.
Speaking in an interview published by the Nigerian Tribune on Saturday, April 5, 2025, Oba Owoade emphasised that the Oyo Alaafin palace was long overdue for reconstruction.
The first-class monarch reassured the people that the planned project would be carried out in a manner that respects and retains its inherent traditional and cultural heritage.
Oba Owoade highlighted that the palace, originally constructed nearly two centuries ago by Atiba ‘Latunbosun—the first Alaafin in present-day Oyo—has never undergone any substantial reconstruction work.
“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,” the traditional ruler affirmed.
Reflecting on his journey to the throne, Oba Owoade disclosed that he initially declined the invitation to contest for the Alaafin 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. But after some persuasion, I gave in. Thank God I am here today as the Alaafin, and I am in Oyo to stay.”
It was previously reported that there was widespread jubilation when Oba Owoade unveiled his official title as His Imperial Majesty on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, following his ascension to the throne.
Oba Owoade succeeds the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, who passed away on April 22, 2022.
Earlier reports confirmed the approval of Abimbola Owoade’s appointment as the new Alaafin of Oyo by the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde.
This announcement was made on Friday, January 17, 2025, by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, who stated that the appointment followed extensive consultations and traditional divination conducted by the Oyomesi, the kingmakers.
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