The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has described the historic Oyo Palace as more than a cultural and historical monument, calling it a “living museum” that preserves Yoruba heritage and promotes unity across Yorubaland.
The monarch made this known on Friday during the commissioning of the Ile Oduduwa (Oodua House) within the palace grounds. His message was delivered by Prince Kabir Owoade.
According to Oba Owoade, the palace offers a rare and authentic window into the rich history, traditions, and identity of the Yoruba people, reaffirming Oyo’s status as the Seat of Yorubaland and the Home of Yoruba heritage.
“The establishment of Ile Oodua inside the ancient palace grounds acts as a heritage carved in stone,” the Alaafin said. “It reinforces the deep connection between the Alaafin and the progenitor of the Yoruba race.”
He explained that while the Alaafin’s Palace began as a royal residence, it has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most significant cultural and historical landmarks, balancing tradition with the realities of modernisation.
“The Palace remains a symbol of Yoruba heritage and authority,” he said. “It has adapted to changing times while retaining its traditional essence and enduring relevance.”
The monarch noted that the palace is the most appropriate location for the Oduduwa House due to its historical role as the epicentre of the Oyo Empire and its status as custodian of Yoruba political, cultural, and military legacy.
Tracing the roots of the Alaafin dynasty, Oba Owoade highlighted its direct lineage to Oranmiyan, the son of Oduduwa and founder of the Oyo Empire.
“Oranmiyan is a foundational figure in Yoruba history, making the Palace the seat of the Oranmiyan lineage and the progenitor of Yoruba kings,” he said.
The Alaafin also commended the facilitator of the project, Chief Onifade Olanipekun, the Asiwaju Awo of Oyo Kingdom and Chairman of the Isese Worshipping Committee, for his unwavering commitment to the development of Oyo and the preservation of the traditional monarchy. He stressed the importance of collective efforts in sustaining peace and driving progress across Yorubaland.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Chief Olanipekun described the Alaafin’s Palace as the heart of Yoruba civilisation, noting that it has served for centuries as a repository of major historical, political, and traditional milestones of the Yoruba people.
He said the newly commissioned Ile Oduduwa would serve as a central hub for Yoruba heritage while further strengthening the Alaafin’s role as a unifying force.
“Historically, the Oyo Empire was the most powerful state in Yoruba history, with the Alaafin as its paramount ruler,” Olanipekun said. “The Palace symbolises the centralized authority that once unified vast territories, making it a fitting home for a monument to Oduduwa, the father of many Yoruba monarchs.”
He added that the Oduduwa House stands as a bold affirmation of the Alaafin’s Oduduwa roots and ensures the legacy of Oranmiyan remains visibly upheld at the heart of Oyo’s royal, administrative, and cultural life.
“The palace is not just a building,” he said. “It is a citadel of the Yoruba race that embodies strength, unity, and heritage, making it a deserving place to honour Oduduwa.”
Chief Olanipekun further emphasized that establishing a house for Oduduwa within the Alaafin’s Palace is vital to preserving Yoruba cultural identity, spiritual continuity, and political unity, noting that Oduduwa is revered as the progenitor of the Yoruba race and the source of all crowned kings.
The event concluded with members of the Isese Worshipping Committee, led by Chief Olanipekun, paying a courtesy visit to the Alaafin to offer New Year prayers.
