President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the newly unveiled Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola, Owoade 1, on his ceremonial coronation.
The President, who was represented by the Minister of Power at the event held at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, charged the monarch to be a bridge builder.
According to the Minister, President Bola Tinubu described Alaafin throne as a symbol of cultural pride, unity, and the enduring legacy of one of Africa’s most powerful empires.
He expressed that the coronation is not just a celebration for the great people of Oyo but for the entire Yoruba race and Nigeria as a whole.
The President emphasized the importance of Oyo as the political and military stronghold of the Yoruba people, and knowing for its renowned administrative sophistication, military prowess, and cultural influence.
Urging the new Alaafin, Oba Akeem Abimbola, Owoade 1 to be a bridge between traditional institutions and modern governance, Tinubu advised him to build on the foundation laid by the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola, Adeyemi III.
”For the Alaafin, you are on the threshold of history as successor to Oba Adeyemi lll who was one of the most influential and longest-reigning monarchs in Yoruba history. His reign was a period of cultural renaissance, political influence, and socio-economic development for Oyo Town, Oyo State, and the Yoruba nation at large.
”He was a fierce custodian of Yoruba traditions and worked tirelessly to revive ancient festivals such as the Oranyan Festival, Isese Day and the Ogun Festival, thus reinforcing Yoruba identity. He strengthened ties with the diaspora, particularly in Brazil and Cuba, where Yoruba culture remains strong.
“Oba Adeyemi Ill played a pivotal role in preserving Oyo’s cultural heritage, laying the groundwork for its UNESCO recognition. He championed the documentation of Oyo’s history, restored ancient sites like the Alaafin’s Palace and Oranyan Staff. His advocacy attracted scholars and policymakers, highlighting Oyo’s global significance. Collaborating with Nigerian authorities, he pushed for UNESCO’s acknowledgment of Oyo as a cultural heritage site, emphasizing its role in the Yoruba empire and trans-Atlantic history. Though formal recognition is still pending. his efforts cemented Oyo’s place in world heritage discourse.
”May your tenure also witness unprecedented development and peace in Oyo. As you mount the throne of your forebears, we recognize that the Alaafin of Oyo is not just a traditional ruler but also a key figure who expectedly should serves as a bridge between traditional institutions and modern governance.
”The Alaafin is expected to play a mediatory role in conflicts and various communal disputes, most importantly, as the Alaafin, you are more than a king, you are also a symbol of Yoruba resilience, wisdom, and pride.
”As you ascend the throne of your forefathers, I pray that the foundation laid by your predecessors will continue to guide the kingdom’s future,” President Tinubu said.
The President, however, enjoined the people of Oyo to rally behind the first class monarch on his vision for peace, tolerance and development.
”To the great people of Oyo, l urge you to rally behind your new Alaafin, support his vision, and uphold the values of peace, tolerance, and development. Let us remember the words of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi Ill: “A kingdom thrives when its people are united in purpose.”
