Alaafin Moves Into Ancient Palace in Oyo After Nine Months on Throne

By: Israel Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, on Tuesday formally moved into the ancient Alaafin Palace in Oyo town, marking a significant cultural milestone nine months after his installation as the paramount ruler of the historic Oyo Kingdom.

OTN News further reports as gathered that the development was disclosed in a statement issued in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Mr Bode Durojaiye.

According to the statement, the monarch relocated to the centuries-old palace located at Oke Afin area of Oyo town, a revered citadel of Yoruba civilisation that had fallen into disrepair before his ascension to the throne.

OTN News recalls that Oba Owoade was presented with the Staff of Office on Friday, April 5, 2025, by Governor Seyi Makinde, following his emergence as the new Alaafin after the demise of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

OTN News further recalls that the late monarch passed away in April 2022 at the age of 83 after a remarkable 52-year reign, the longest in the history of the Alaafin stool.

The passing of Oba Adeyemi III triggered widespread mourning across Yorubaland and beyond. He was laid to rest in Oyo town in accordance with Islamic rites after the completion of traditional burial ceremonies.

While presenting Oba Owoade to the people in 2025, Governor Makinde explained the process that led to his installation, stating that the Oyo Mesi had recommended Oba Owoade for the throne.

“On January 10, 2025, I applied my signature for the recommendation of Oyo Mesi for Oba Akeem Owoade to be the new Alaafin of Oyo,” Makinde said.

“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,” the governor added.

In his statement on Tuesday, Durojaiye noted that the ancient palace was largely abandoned and vandalised before Oba Owoade’s ascension, with many of its structures requiring urgent rehabilitation and reconstruction.

“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,” he said.

However, he explained that shortly after ascending the throne of his forefathers, Oba Owoade initiated the painstaking rehabilitation of parts of the palace as part of efforts to preserve Yoruba cultural heritage.

The statement added that the rehabilitation works were supervised by the Personal Assistant to the Alaafin, Mr Kolade Oladele, and that the restored palace now reflects the enduring strength and artistic elegance of ancient Oyo architecture.

“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,” the statement read.

It further described the palace as a repository of Yoruba culture, noting that most of the buildings were designed around courtyards, a defining feature of traditional Oyo architecture, with rooms opening into communal spaces.

The palace, according to Durojaiye, is richly adorned with artistic works, including carved wooden house posts and door panels traditionally regarded as symbols of wealth and royalty.

It also features sculptures of lions and hunters made from mortar, as well as walls decorated with mosaics and painted murals depicting scenes from everyday life, imaginary beings and intricately designed calabashes.

Residents of Oyo town were said to be in a celebratory mood as the monarch made his formal entry into the palace, with crowds of young and old trooping out to welcome him.

“The people 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 across the entire Yoruba race,” the statement added.