We’ll refurbish 200-year-old Oyo palace, preserve our tradition — Alaafin

By Adejayan Gbenga

The new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has announced plans to renovate the ancient Alaafin’s palace in Oyo town, describing the move as long overdue and assuring that the project will preserve its traditional and cultural heritage.

Speaking in an interview with newsmen, Oba Owoade noted that the palace, originally built almost 200 years ago by Atiba ‘Latunbosun, the first Alaafin in present-day Oyo, has never undergone major reconstruction.

“If you have been to the Aafin, you will agree with me that it needs some repairs. Some new buildings need to be constructed, and others need to be renovated.

“We are looking at reconstructing the palace without compromising the standard, culture, and tradition,” he said.

Oba Owoade also paid tribute to his predecessor, the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, commending his efforts in promoting Yoruba culture and tradition.

“I commend Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi, my immediate predecessor. He did very well in projecting Yoruba culture and tradition. I intend to build on his legacy and take our culture and tradition to the next level,” he added.