The Alaafin of Oyo and Titan of Yorubaland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has called on stakeholders involved in the forthcoming Oyo Empire Day celebration to rise above sectional interests and work collectively to ensure the success of the historic event.
The maiden edition of the annual Oyo Empire Day Celebration is scheduled to hold from December 17 to 19, 2026.
In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch described the event as a unique platform for all descendants of the Oyo Empire to reconnect with their shared heritage and contribute to its preservation and promotion.
According to Oba Owoade, the annual celebration should serve as a rallying point for people of Oyo ancestry, strengthen cultural consciousness, foster collaboration among Oyo communities, encourage historical research and documentation, stimulate tourism and economic partnerships, inspire younger generations to appreciate and preserve the enduring legacy of the Oyo Empire, and further project the cultural excellence of the Oyo people to the global community.
The Alaafin stressed that the celebration is not limited to Oyo Atiba alone but is intended to embrace all people of Oyo ancestry wherever they may reside.
“Oyo Empire Day is not a celebration of Oyo Atiba alone. It is a celebration of the common ancestry, history, civilisation, institutions, values and cultural heritage of the entire Oyo-speaking people wherever they reside. It is designed to provide a unifying platform for all descendants of Oyo to reconnect with their shared identity while promoting unity, historical scholarship, tourism, investment, youth development, cultural renaissance and sustainable socio-economic collaboration,” he said.
The monarch noted that the wide range of participation already secured reflects the inclusive vision behind the initiative and underscores the commitment to ensuring that every town and community with historical roots in the Oyo Empire sees itself as an integral part of the celebration.
Oba Owoade expressed confidence in the calibre, experience and patriotism of members of the Planning Committee, traditional rulers and other stakeholders who have embraced the vision. He said their collective efforts would lay a solid foundation for what is expected to become an enduring annual cultural and historical event of international significance.
He also appreciated stakeholders for their cooperation and commitment towards making the maiden edition a landmark occasion.
As part of efforts to ensure broad participation, the Alaafin has nominated eminent sons and daughters of Oyo ancestry to serve on the Planning Committee for the celebration.
The monarch further announced that several traditional rulers and distinguished personalities from across the historic Oyo Empire have identified with the initiative and will play critical roles in its planning and successful execution.
The committee comprises accomplished academics, professionals, business leaders, industrialists, politicians, technocrats, media practitioners, cultural ambassadors, youth and women leaders, diaspora representatives, and other distinguished sons and daughters of Oyo ancestry drawn from communities across Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, Kogi and Lagos states, as well as the Republic of Benin.
Among the eminent traditional rulers and stakeholders listed are the Olu of Ilaro, Onimasayi of Imasayi, Olu of Owode-Yewa and Aboro of Ibese from Yewaland; the Olooro of Oro, Oba of Sao, Oranmiyan of Oko, Ogunsua of Modakeke, Ona Onibode of Igboho, Ajoriwin of Irawo, Alagere of Ago-Are and Alado of Awaye, among several other royal fathers from across Yorubaland and the Republic of Benin.
Other notable personalities on the list include Professor Adejumo, Dr Kunle Ogunmola, Dr Wole Akanni Duro-Ladipo, Bishop Ayo Lawrence Ladigbolu, Baba Bamiji Ojo and renowned filmmaker Tunde Kelani, alongside many distinguished academics, professionals, entrepreneurs, cultural advocates and community leaders committed to preserving and promoting the enduring legacy of the historic Oyo Empire.
The full membership of the Planning Committee will be formally unveiled during its inauguration.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
