” By physically bringing the ancient institution of the Oyo Kingdom, the historic Epicenter of Yoruba administrative and military sophistication to Melbourne, the Titan of Yorubaland has created an unshakeable psychological anchor for the diaspora”
The historic arrival of the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Titan of Yoruba land, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, in Melbourne, Australia, not only mark a watershed moment in the modern evolution of Yoruba cultural diplomacy, but stepping onto Australian soil alongside his Queen Consort, Ayaba Abiwunmi Olajumoke, to headline the 30th anniversary celebration of the Yoruba Heritage and Cultural Association Victoria (YHCAV), indicated that the Paramount Ruler’s visit is far more than a ceremonial appearance.
But one that represents an urgent imperative for globalizing African cultural institutions, strengthening diaspora cohesion, and cultivating strategic transnational alliances.
The essence of the Alaafin’s voyage is the consolidation of the Yoruba diaspora in Oceania, as over the past three decades, Australia has become home to a vibrant, highly educated Nigerian expatriate community contributing significantly to the local economy. However, geographical isolation from the West African heartland risks fracturing cultural continuity across generations.
By physically bringing the ancient institution of the Oyo Kingdom, the historic Epicenter of Yoruba administrative and military sophistication to Melbourne, the Titan of Yorubaland has created an unshakeable psychological anchor for the diaspora.
The impressive scenes at Melbourne Airport, where hundreds gathered in aso-oke attire and performed traditional genuflections, illustrate that distance has not diminished traditional allegiance. The royal presence legitimizes the decades-long cultural preservation efforts of organizations like YHCAV.
Addressing the Yoruba community in Australia, Oba Owoade said it is time Yoruba at home and in Diaspora start partnering for synergy.
According to him, “” without doubt, we can find strength in unity. This has become imperative so that whenever our brothers and sisters in Diaspora come home, they won’t be complainers about how things are not working, but rather, they would see themselves as partners and partakers in the overall development for a better future of their home land. Partnership is a voluntary collaborative agreement between two or more parties in which all participants agree to work together to achieve a common purpose. Partnerships, he explained, share interest, concerns and create visions for the future.
“” Concerted efforts must be intensified at increasing inspiration to become national or to recognise nationhood. So with that, we see the Yoruba in the diaspora, as it is popularly called, to be the Yoruba that will greatly guide and influence the Yoruba in the ancient homeland, who for the most part are tending to move away from a sense of preservation of their own culture and tradition, particularly religion’’.
He pointed out that inspite of the assaults, African culture has demonstrated its resilience and beyond that relevance in a troubled and confused world.
Yoruba culture, Alaafin hinted, is today spreading and attracting many studies. It has been said that Yoruba is the best studied African civilization and has attracted the attention of the largest number of scholars, leading to the production of impressive number of publications.
“” Today, the Alaafin is duty bound to stand for and in defence of every Yoruba soul either on the continent of Africa or in the Diaspora in a globalized world. People carry in their veins the rich, strong, virile Yoruba blood that has refused to be polluted or diluted by many years of contact with the outside world. They are not only devoted, courageous but devotional in preserving the sacred intellectual property and the foundation of the Yoruba knowledge system, despite the orchestrated condemnation of its relevance””.
On the forthcoming Oyo Empire Day celebration, the Titan of Yorubaland explained to the elated Yoruba community that Oyo Empire Day was conceived as an annual celebration of Oyo’s history, heritage, people, and continuing legacy, with a strong emphasis on reconnecting people of Oyo ancestry who are now dispersed across different communities, states, and countries.
“” It is not simply another festival. It is simultaneously a homecoming, a heritage celebration, an educational platform, a cultural showcase, a tourism initiative, and a foundation for future economic and social development.
“” We deliberately chose the name Oyo Empire Day rather than simply “Oyo Day.” The historical Oyo that we are celebrating was much larger than the geographical boundaries of today’s ancient city of Oyo or Oyo State. Its history involved institutions, communities, migrations, settlements, cultural exchanges, and relationships extending far beyond the present boundaries of Oyo. The celebration, therefore, seeks to connect the historical Oyo Empire with contemporary people of Oyo ancestry and with the future.
“”The Alaafin’s traditional institution provides an important bridge between the historical Oyo Empire and the contemporary generation””.
He clarified that Oyo Empire Day was not an Oyo Atiba celebration because Oyo Atiba is an important part of contemporary Oyo Empire history, and that history was acknowledged.
“” My vision for Oyo Empire Day celebration was considerably broader. We are reaching out to people and communities with Oyo ancestry across Kwara, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, Kogi, other parts of Nigeria, Republic of Benin, and, as well as the wider diaspora. We are talking about people whose ancestors moved from the various historical centres of Oyo and established communities elsewhere centuries ago. This vision is to provide a platform where these dispersed people can reconnect with the ancestral homeland.
“” Our message to them is simple: Wherever your ancestors went, there remains a historical connection worth understanding, preserving, and celebrating. This is why the celebration is an ancestral homecoming, not merely a town festival.
“” And it is important to stress that this is not about bringing those communities under ancient city of Oyo Atiba or taking away their individual identities. Ilaro remains Ilaro, Arigidi Akoko remains Arigidi Akoko, Akesan (Lagos State) Remains Akesa, Modakeke remains Modakeke, Ede remains Ede, Saki remains Saki, Igboho remains Igboho, Jebba remains Jebba, Ibadan remains Ibadan, Ogbomoso remains Ogbomoso, Porto Novo remains Porto Novo, Oyo-Atiba remains Oyo-Atiba, etc. We are celebrating historical connections, not imposing identitie””, Oba Owoade stressed..
Observers however lauded the Alaafin’s visit, saying it will not only subvert the obsolete, Western-centric narrative of international relations “” by elevating indigenous African royalty to the global stage as peer diplomatic entities, but through engagement with Australian community and political leaders, the Royal Father’s tinerary will oster a bilateral environment ripe for educating the broader Australian public on African civilization, moving beyond modern historical trauma to celebrate enduring structures of governance and philosophy.
“” It will also act as a bridge-builder to attract foreign direct investment and tourism back to Oyo State, aligning with structural development goals spearheaded by regional governments””
They noted that the presence of the Alaafin serves as a live, breathing masterclass in heritage. Seeing the crown (Ade), the staff (Opa Aze), and hearing the panegyrics (Oriki) in an Australian terminal will transform any diaspora population facing the problem of assimilation and potential loss of indigenous identity among first- and second-generation immigrants.
Rather, it will, they submitted, abstract history into a vibrant, prestigious reality for young Yoruba-Australians, and instills cultural confidence, thus ensuring that the rich linguistic and philosophical traditions of the Oyo Empire remain active .
Bode Durojaiye is the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and the Superior Head of Yorubaland.
