Atiba Book Club, an initiative of Read Across Nigeria, has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade on his ascension to the revered throne as the Alaafin of Oyo.
The club, which caters to the literary development of the four Oyo Local Government Areas—Atiba LGA (headquartered at Offa-Meta), Oyo East LGA (Kosobo), Oyo West LGA (Ojongbodu), and Afijio LGA (Jobele)—expressed its joy and optimism for the new monarch’s reign.
This congratulatory message was conveyed in a statement issued by the Founder of Atiba Book Club, Wole Adedoyin, who emphasized the cultural significance of the Alaafin’s throne and the unique opportunity it presents to preserve and promote the rich heritage of the Oyo Kingdom. Adedoyin hailed Oba Owoade’s emergence as divinely ordained and expressed hope that his reign would usher in a new era of progress and prosperity for the people of Oyo.
Adedoyin further noted that Oba Owoade’s ascension comes at a crucial time when Oyo Kingdom requires visionary leadership to uphold its historical significance and champion the development of its people. He expressed confidence in the new Alaafin’s capacity to foster unity and collaboration among all stakeholders to elevate the kingdom’s legacy.
“Atiba Book Club sees Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade as not just a custodian of culture and tradition but also a beacon of hope for the younger generation. His reign offers an opportunity to inspire the youth of Oyo to embrace education, literacy, and cultural preservation,” the statement read.
The club also pledged its support to the Alaafin’s vision for the kingdom, particularly in areas of education and literacy. Adedoyin revealed that Atiba Book Club plans to collaborate with the royal court on initiatives aimed at promoting reading, writing, and the preservation of indigenous languages within the Oyo community.
“We believe that education is the bedrock of societal development, and under the leadership of Oba Owoade, the Oyo Kingdom can become a hub for intellectual growth and cultural renaissance,” Adedoyin stated.
The statement went on to highlight the role of the Alaafin of Oyo as a symbol of unity and strength for the Yoruba people, noting that Oba Owoade’s experience, wisdom, and leadership qualities would serve as a guiding light for the kingdom.
Adedoyin also commended the traditional council and kingmakers for their diligence and foresight in selecting a monarch who embodies the values and aspirations of the Oyo people. He urged all sons and daughters of Oyo to rally around the new Alaafin and support his efforts to promote peace, development, and cultural excellence.
The Atiba Book Club concluded its message by praying for the Alaafin’s reign to be marked by peace, prosperity, and enduring legacies that would benefit generations to come. The club reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to the intellectual and cultural development of the Oyo Kingdom through its programs and activities.
“With Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade on the throne, we are optimistic that the Oyo Kingdom will continue to shine as a beacon of culture, history, and education in Yorubaland and beyond,” the statement concluded.
Packaged by Dare Raji
