The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, on Tuesday formally moved into the ancient Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo town, nine months after his installation as the 46th traditional ruler of the historic kingdom.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye. According to the statement, the monarch’s relocation to the palace marks a significant cultural milestone for the Oyo Kingdom and the wider Yoruba race.
Oba Owoade was officially presented with the Staff of Office by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday, April 5, 2025, following the demise of the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III. The revered monarch passed away in April 2022 at the age of 83, after a remarkable 52-year reign, making him the longest-reigning Alaafin in the history of the Oyo Empire.
The passing of Oba Adeyemi III sparked widespread mourning across Yorubaland and beyond. His remains were later interred in Oyo town in accordance with Islamic rites, following the completion of traditional burial ceremonies.
While presenting Oba Owoade to the public in 2025, Governor Makinde recalled the process leading to his emergence. He explained that on January 10, 2025, he approved the recommendation of the Oyo Mesi for Oba Owoade’s selection, before presenting him with a certificate of office on January 13, 2025.
“I have done my work since, but today, I officially present to the entire world the Alaafin of Oyo,” Makinde had said, urging doubters to come forward and recognise the new monarch.
In Tuesday’s statement, Durojaiye explained that the Alaafin’s delayed movement into the palace was due to the deteriorated condition of the ancient structure at the time of his ascension. He said the palace had been left in ruins, with vandalised facilities and structural defects that required urgent rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Soon after ascending the throne, Oba Owoade reportedly embarked on the painstaking task of restoring parts of the palace, thereby preserving an important symbol of Yoruba cultural heritage. The rehabilitation works were supervised by the monarch’s Personal Assistant, Kolade Oladele.
Durojaiye described the restored palace as a masterpiece of traditional Yoruba architecture, featuring well-structured layouts, artistic columns, carved wooden posts, decorated door panels and courtyards surrounded by rooms. The palace is also adorned with sculptures, mosaics, painted murals, and symbolic figures depicting scenes of life, royalty and mythology.
He added that residents of Oyo town trooped out in large numbers to welcome the Alaafin as he moved into the palace, describing the atmosphere as celebratory.
“The people, young and old, admire their King as a serious-minded Paramount Ruler, a leader of thought and a man of excellence, committed to development, peace, unity and mutual coexistence within the kingdom and the entire Yoruba race,” the statement concluded.
