Alaafin commissions Oduduwa House, describes Oyo palace as living museum of yoruba heritage

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has described his palace as more than a royal residence, calling it a living museum that preserves Yoruba history, fosters unity, and stands as a lasting symbol of cultural heritage.

This was contained in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bode Durojaiye, following the commissioning of Oduduwa House (Ilé Oodua) within the palace grounds. Represented at the ceremony on Thursday by Prince Kabir Owoade, the Alaafin reaffirmed Oyo’s position as the historical seat of Yorubaland and custodian of its traditions.

Oba Owoade said the Oduduwa House represents “heritage carved in stone,” reinforcing the ancestral link between the Alaafin and Oduduwa, progenitor of the Yoruba people. He highlighted the palace’s historic role as the epicentre of the Oyo Empire and a repository of Yoruba political, cultural, and military legacy.

“The Alaafin dynasty traces its roots directly to Oranmiyan, son of Oduduwa and founder of the Oyo Empire. This lineage makes the palace the rightful home for the Oduduwa House,” he said.

The monarch commended Chief Onifade Olanipekun, Asiwaju Awo of Oyo Kingdom and Chairman of the Isese Worshipping Committee, for his commitment to the development of Oyo and support for the traditional institution. He stressed that collaboration remains vital to sustaining peace and promoting progress across Yorubaland.

In his welcome address, Chief Olanipekun described the palace as the “heart of Yoruba civilisation,” noting that the Oduduwa House would serve as a central hub for Yoruba heritage while strengthening the Alaafin’s role as a unifying figure.

“The Oyo Empire was historically the most powerful state in Yoruba history, and the palace symbolises centralised authority. It is therefore a fitting site for a monument to Oduduwa, father of many Yoruba monarchs,” he said.

He added that the Oduduwa House stands as a visible affirmation of the Alaafin’s Oduduwa ancestry, preserving Oranmiyan’s legacy at the core of Oyo’s royal, administrative, and cultural life.

Members of the Isese Worshipping Committee, led by Chief Olanipekun, later paid a courtesy visit to the Alaafin to offer New Year prayers, underscoring the spiritual and cultural significance of the Oduduwa House within the historic palace complex.