Oyo Empire Day celebration to promote unity, cultural consciousness, Alaafin says
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has said the 2026 Oyo Empire Day celebration is not intended to diminish the history, heritage or contributions of other tribes in Yorubaland or Nigeria.
Oba Owoade stated this on Tuesday in Oyo while inaugurating the Central Working Committee for the celebration, scheduled for December 17 to 19 under the theme, “Celebrating Our Heritage, Preserving Our Legacy, Building Our Future.”
He explained that the event was conceived as an annual platform to celebrate and showcase the history, culture, achievements and enduring legacy of the ancient Oyo Empire.
According to the monarch, the history of the Oyo Empire extends beyond the palace and the present-day Oyo community, as its influence and footprints can be found across several Yoruba communities and territories that interacted with, formed part of, or were shaped by the civilisation.
Consequently, Oba Owoade said the celebration would promote cultural consciousness, unity, historical appreciation and intergenerational engagement. He stressed that preserving history was essential to sustaining the identity of a people while fostering a deeper understanding of their shared heritage.
The Alaafin further said the event would provide an opportunity for traditional institutions, scholars, historians, cultural practitioners, governments, businesses, young people and friends of Oyo from Nigeria and other parts of the world to come together and celebrate the empire’s legacy.
Meanwhile, he listed several communities linked to the Oyo Empire, including Jebba, Shao, Offa, Ira and Oro in Kwara State; Ede, Ikirun, Gbongan, Modakeke and Ilobu in Osun State; and Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Igboho, Saki, Iseyin and Ago-Are in Oyo State. He also noted the historical connections between the empire and communities in Ogun, Ondo and the Republic of Benin.
The cultural programme will feature a heritage and opening ceremony, book presentation, cultural exhibitions, the Oyo Empire Colloquium, tourism activities and other cultural engagements.
