The Alaafin of Oyo , Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has charged stakeholders of the forthcoming Oyo Empire Day to rise above sectional interests and work together to make the celebration a unifying platform for all descendants of Oyo worldwide.
The maiden annual celebration is scheduled to hold from Thursday, December 17 to Saturday, December 19, 2026 in Oyo.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 5, 2027 by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch said the event should serve as a rallying point to strengthen cultural consciousness and foster collaboration among Oyo communities globally.
Oba Owoade explained that Oyo Empire Day is not limited to Oyo town alone, but is designed to celebrate the shared ancestry, history, civilization and values of all Oyo-speaking people.
“Oyo Empire Day is not a celebration of Oyo Atiba alone. Rather, it is a celebration of the common ancestry, history, civilization, institutions, values, and cultural heritage of the entire Oyo-speaking people wherever they reside” the Alaafin stated.
According to him, the celebration is intended to “strengthen cultural consciousness, foster collaboration among Oyo communities, encourage historical research and documentation, stimulate tourism and economic partnerships, inspire younger generations, and further project the cultural excellence of the Oyo people to the world.”
In furtherance of the pan-Oyo vision, the Alaafin announced the nomination of eminent sons and daughters of Oyo ancestry to serve on a broad-based Planning Committee for the celebration.
The Committee, according to the palace, comprises Academics, Professionals, Business leaders, Industrialists, Politicians,Technocrats, Media Practitioners, Cultural Ambassadors, Youth and Women leaders, as well as Diaspora representatives drawn from Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, Kogi, Lagos States, and the Republic of Benin.
Prominent royal fathers include; the Olu of Ilaro, Onimasai of Imasayi, Olu of Owode Yewa, Aboro of Ibese, Olooro of Oro, Oba of Sao, Oranmiyan of Oko, Ogunsua of Modakeke, Ona Onibode of Igboho, Ajori Iwin of Irawo, Alagere of Ago Are, and Alado of Awaye, among others from Yorubaland and Benin Republic.
Other distinguished personalities nominated include Prof. Adejumo, Dr. Kunle Ogunmola, Dr. Wole Akanni Duro-Ladipo, Bishop Ayo Lawrence Ladigbolu, Baba Bamiji Ojo, and Pa Tunde Kelani.
The full membership of the Committee will be formally unveiled during its inauguration.
Oba Owoade expressed confidence in the caliber and patriotism of the Committee members and other stakeholders, saying their collaboration will lay a solid foundation for what is envisioned to become“ an enduring annual cultural and historical event of international significance.”
He appreciated the cooperation already received and urged all Oyo descendants to see themselves as integral parts of the historic celebration.
“The breadth of participation already secured underscores the inclusive vision that every town and community with historical roots in Oyo should see itself as part of this celebration*,” he said.
