The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, has unveiled the names of eminent traditional rulers, scholars and Yoruba professionals in a committee to organise the first-ever Oyo Empire Day scheduled to be held between December 17 and 19, 2026.
Oba Owoade urged all stakeholders for the forthcoming event to work collectively in ensuring that every descendant of Oyo, irrespective of place of residence, occupation, or professional background, finds a place in the unique celebration.
According to statement on Wednesday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin gave the admonition in a message to the nominees and stakeholders for the celebration.
“The annual celebration should serve as a rallying point for all people of Oyo ancestry, strengthen cultural consciousness, foster collaboration among Oyo communities, encourage historical research and documentation, stimulate tourism and economic partnerships, inspire younger generations to appreciate and preserve the enduring legacy of the Oyo Empire, and further project the cultural excellence of the Oyo people to the world,” the Alaafin said.
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The revered monarch stressed that Oyo Empire Day but also a celebration of the common ancestry, history, civilisation, institutions, values, and cultural heritage of the entire Oyo-speaking people wherever they reside.
“It is intended to provide a unifying platform for all Oyo descendants to reconnect with their shared identity while promoting unity, historical scholarship, tourism, investment, youth development, cultural renaissance, and sustainable socio-economic collaboration,”Oba Owoade said.
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The statement noted that the event underscores the inclusive vision of the Alaafin that every town and community with historical roots in Oyo see itself as an integral part of this historic celebration.
He expressed confidence in the pedigrees, experience, and patriotism of the Planning
Committee, the Royal Fathers, and the numerous stakeholders who have embraced the vision, optimistic that by working together, it will lay a solid foundation for what is envisioned to become an enduring annual cultural and historical event of international significance.
In further demonstration of the broad acceptance and pan-Oyo character of the initiative, Alaafin has therefore nominated eminent sons and daughters of Oyo ancestry to serve on the Planning Committee for the celebration.
The Committee comprises accomplished academics, professionals, business leaders, industrialists, politicians, technocrats, media practitioners, cultural ambassadors, youth, women leaders, diaspora representatives, and accomplished sons and daughters of Oyo ancestry drawn from communities across Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, Kogi, Lagos States, as well as the Republic of Benin.
Among the eminent royal fathers and stakeholders who made the list include the Olu of Ilaro, the Onimasai of Imasayi, the Olu of Owode Yewa, and the Aboro of Ibese from Yewaland ; the Olooro of Oro, the Oba of Sao, the Oranmiyan of Oko, the Ogunsua of Modakeke, the Ona Onibode of Igboho, Ajori Iwin of Irawo, Alagere of Ago Are, Alado of Awaye and many other traditional rulers in Yorubaland and Republic of Benin.
Other eminent personalities, include Professor Adejumo, Dr. Kunle Ogunmola, Dr. Wole Akanni Duro-Ladipo, Bishop Ayo Lawrence Ladigbolu, Baba Bamiji Ojo, Pa Tunde Kelani, and many other distinguished academics, professionals,
entrepreneurs, cultural advocates, and community leaders whose commitment reflects the collective resolve to preserve and promote the enduring legacy of the historic Oyo Empire.
Durojaiye said the full membership of the committee will be formally unveiled during its inauguration.
