Following the demise of the revered Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, on April 22, 2022, the emergence of his successor, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, comes with significant expectations and a weighty historical legacy.
The late Alaafin Adeyemi was an influential and charismatic ruler, known for his strong presence both within Nigeria and beyond, making his successor’s task a formidable one.
One of the most pressing challenges facing the new Alaafin is the alarming rate of youth unemployment. Recognizing this issue, Oba Owoade has pledged to prioritize job creation and vocational training programs for young graduates, ensuring that they are equipped with skills to secure gainful employment.
This initiative, as conveyed through his Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Bode Durojaiye, is aimed at curbing the socioeconomic vulnerabilities that arise from joblessness.
The Alaafin-elect has indicated his commitment to cultural revitalization, ensuring that significant traditional festivals such as Sango and Oranmiyan are promoted and celebrated with greater fervor. He has also promised to champion the welfare of widows and widowers through targeted economic empowerment programs aimed at improving their livelihoods.
A significant aspect of Oba Owoade’s agenda includes the restitution of artefacts taken by the British in 1895. According to his media office, negotiations with international organizations have already commenced, with agreements in place for the return of these historical treasures. Such restitution would mark a historic achievement, reinforcing the cultural and historical identity of the Oyo Kingdom.
One of the most contentious issues in Oyo remains the unresolved grievances surrounding the 1992 assassination of High Chief Amuda Olorunosebi, the Ashipa of Oyo. This tragedy deepened the rift between the Oyo royal institution and the people of Isale Oyo, resulting in long-standing discord.
In a move towards reconciliation, Oba Owoade is expected to engage in peace talks and address the lingering tensions by resolving leadership disputes and recognizing the appointment of Chief Ganiyu Ajiboye to the Ashipa position.
Security remains a critical issue in Oyo, with recent incursions by Fulani herders leading to violence and kidnappings, an unprecedented challenge not faced during the reign of the late Oba Adeyemi. Given the rising tension between local farmers and herders, the new Alaafin promise to take decisive action to restore order and protect the territorial integrity of Oyo land.
The selection process of the new Alaafin was fraught with controversy, as the Oyo Mesi had initially endorsed Prince Lukman Gbadegesin before shifting their support to Oba Owoade. The resulting discord led to legal battles, which now require urgent mediation. A key leadership test for the new monarch will be his ability to reconcile with aggrieved members of the Oyo Mesi and ensure that the unity of the traditional ruling council is restored.
Disputes over land ownership between Afijio and Oyo communities have led to longstanding animosities. In a proactive move, the Alaafin-elect’s wife, Ayaba Abiwumi Owoade, has already begun peacebuilding efforts by providing financial aid to victims of these disputes. Further intervention by Oba Owoade will be crucial to ensuring lasting resolution and fostering harmony between the warring factions.
Having successfully completed the traditional seclusion rites (Oro Ipebi), Oba Owoade is set to don the Sango crown in a grand ceremony presided over by Baba Mogba. The event will be attended by esteemed members of the Oyo Mesi, royal dignitaries, religious priests, and the general populace. This ritualistic transition signifies his full assumption of the throne, with the official coronation ceremony scheduled for April 5, 2025, at Oliveth Heights, Oyo.
Ayaba Abiwumi Owoade has emphasized the indispensable role of unity in achieving sustainable development. In her address, she underscored the need for communal harmony, urging Oyo residents to embrace peace and collaboration for the greater good of the kingdom.
“As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, embracing unity is not just a romantic aspiration but a pragmatic imperative,” she stated, highlighting that collective efforts yield stronger institutions, economic prosperity, and infrastructural development.
