Alaafin coronation: Day 2 features public lecture, cultural showcase

By Adejayan Gbenga, Oyo

The coronation program for the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade II, entered its second day on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

The celebrations, which began on Monday with a cultural parade at the Oba Adeyemi Mini Stadium, Ode Aremo, continued with a tree-planting campaign and a public lecture at the Federal School of Surveying, Oyo, featuring renowned scholars.

Before the colloquium, dignitaries were welcomed with captivating cultural performances.

In his opening remarks, the chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Dr. Kunle Ogunmola, emphasized the need to preserve Yoruba culture.

Declaring the public lecture open, the chairperson of the occasion, historian and pioneer scholar of women’s studies in Africa, Prof. Bolanle Awe, prayed for the progress of Oyo town and noted that the event was organized to support its advancement.

Delivering the keynote lecture, renowned historian Prof. Siyan Oyeweso highlighted the historical significance of Oyo, tracing its evolution from Ago to Ago Doyo, and later to modern-day Oyo. He noted that the town is known for its structured governance and well-documented history.

Oyeweso urged the new Alaafin to uphold royal etiquette and made key recommendations, including the appointment of a court historian, the establishment of a palace museum, the creation of an Alaafin Academy to preserve Oyo’s historical values, and advocating for a Federal University in Oyo town.

He also emphasized the importance of diplomacy, recalling the cordial relationship between the late Alaafin Adeyemi and the Ooni of Ife as a model for the new monarch to uphold.