Alaafin of Oyo announces plan to establish Cultural Centre

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has announced plans to establish a Cultural Centre for Research and Development to preserve and promote the rich heritage of the Oyo Empire.

The monarch made this known on Wednesday in Ibadan during the presentation and launch of the book ‘Know Oyo State’, authored by the State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade.

Oba Owoade said the proposed centre would serve as a hub for scholars, students, and researchers to study the legacy of the Oyo Empire and contribute to the intellectual growth of the state.

Describing the book as a foundation for rediscovering the identity and history of Oyo, the Alaafin praised the detailed documentation of cultural and traditional institutions in the publication.

“As one who personifies culture and tradition, I am pleased with the treatment given to our heritage. The Oyo Empire, which I represent, extends beyond Oyo town, influencing Yorubaland and West Africa,” he said.

He explained that the Cultural Centre would house works from renowned scholars like Professors Toyin Falola, Adeshina, and Siyan Oyeweso, whose contributions to Yoruba history are globally recognized.

Oba Owoade further noted that with over 1,200 secondary schools and half a million students in Oyo State, adopting the book in schools is not just advisable but essential for cultural education and preservation.