KEY POINTS

• The Alaafin will restore the 200-year-old Oyo palace.
• Youth empowerment is central to the monarch’s plans.
• Community healthcare is a top priority for Oba Owoade.

The newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has unveiled plans to reconstruct the iconic 200-year-old palace located in Oyo town.

In an interview published by the Nigerian Tribune, the monarch stressed that the renovation would maintain the palace’s traditional architecture and cultural symbolism.

The ancient structure, originally built by Atiba ‘Latunbosun, the first Alaafin in modern-day Oyo, has not undergone any significant reconstruction since its creation.

“If you have been to the Aafin, you will agree with me that it needs some repairs,” Oba Owoade said. “Some new buildings need to be constructed, and some need to be renovated.”

According to the monarch, the goal is to give the historic edifice a well-deserved facelift while retaining its essence as a cultural landmark. The Alaafin expressed his admiration for his late predecessor, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, and promised to build on his legacy of promoting Yoruba culture and tradition.

Focus on youth empowerment and community health

He identified unemployment as a major concern and emphasized his intention to address it through vocational training.

“The people need jobs; they need security and peace of mind,” the monarch said. “Of immediate concern is the need to get our teeming youths gainfully employed and take them off the streets.”

Plans are in place to introduce training programs in trades, crafts, and cybersecurity, targeting both graduates and those from underprivileged backgrounds.

In addition, the monarch announced plans for a community health center aimed at offering free medical services to the less privileged.

He revealed that medical equipment had already been shipped in to support the project. “I have shipped in some hospital equipment, and I think the whole of Oyo is aware of this,” he said.

The health initiative will focus on serving widows, widowers, and low-income families, reinforcing the Alaafin’s commitment to inclusive leadership and welfare-oriented projects.

Royal journey marked by culture, duty, and destiny

Reflecting on his unexpected ascension to the throne, Oba Owoade shared his journey. Initially living in Canada, he declined his family’s suggestion to join the contest for the Alaafin title. However, persistent persuasion from family members eventually changed his mind, Punch stated.

“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,” he said. “But after some persuasion, I gave in. Thank God I am here today as the Alaafin, and I am in Oyo to stay.”

The monarch had spent over 20 years abroad, with nine years in England and 12 in Canada. He learned of his selection as Alaafin while still in Canada, describing the moment as surreal.

“Around 5 o’clock Canadian time, I woke up and checked my phone. I saw a message from my younger brother with a link. The headline read: ‘Governor Makinde approves Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as Alaafin-elect.’ I thought it was a prank,” he said.

In honoring the legacy of Oyo and its people, Oba Owoade also plans to name streets after notable individuals who have contributed to the town’s development.