Alaafin Constitutes Broad-Based Committee for Maiden Oyo Empire Day Celebration
The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has constituted a broad-based planning committee to coordinate the maiden edition of the Annual Oyo Empire Day Celebration, scheduled to hold from Thursday, December 17 to Saturday, December 19, 2026.
The committee comprises eminent traditional rulers, academics, professionals, business leaders, cultural advocates, media practitioners, youth and women leaders, diaspora representatives, and distinguished sons and daughters of Oyo ancestry drawn from communities across Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
In a statement issued by the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch urged all stakeholders to set aside sectional interests and work collectively to ensure that every descendant of Oyo, regardless of location, profession or social status, is actively represented in the historic celebration.
Oba Owoade explained that the annual event is designed to strengthen cultural consciousness, foster collaboration among Oyo descendants, encourage historical research and documentation, promote tourism and economic partnerships, and inspire younger generations to preserve the enduring legacy of the Oyo Empire.
The monarch emphasized that Oyo Empire Day is not solely a celebration of Oyo Atiba but a commemoration of the shared ancestry, history, civilisation, institutions, values and cultural heritage of all Oyo-speaking people across the world.
According to him, the initiative will provide a platform for descendants of the historic empire to reconnect with their roots while promoting unity, scholarship, investment, youth empowerment, cultural renaissance and sustainable socio-economic development.
Among those appointed to the planning committee are renowned filmmaker and cultural icon, Pa Tunde Kelani; Professor Adejumo; Dr. Kunle Ogunmola; Dr. Wole Akanni Duro-Ladipo; Bishop Ayo Lawrence Ladigbolu; Baba Bamiji Ojo, alongside other distinguished academics, professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders.
The committee also features several prominent traditional rulers from across the historic Oyo Empire and Yorubaland, including the Olu of Ilaro, Onimasai of Imasayi, Olu of Owode Yewa, Aboro of Ibese, Olooro of Oro, Oba of Sao, Oranmiyan of Oko, Ogunsua of Modakeke, Ona Onibode of Igboho, Ajori Iwin of Irawo, Alagere of Ago Are, Alado of Awaye, and other royal fathers.
Expressing confidence in the committee’s ability, Oba Owoade said the wealth of experience, patriotism and commitment of its members would lay a solid foundation for what is expected to become an enduring cultural and historical event of international significance.
He added that the participation of traditional rulers and stakeholders from across the old Oyo Empire reflects the inclusive and pan-Oyo vision of the celebration.
The full membership of the planning committee is expected to be formally unveiled during its official inauguration
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