It was a day of excitement, drums, and royal pageantry in Oyo town as residents trooped out en masse to welcome His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo and Paramount Ruler of Yorubaland, back home from his weeklong visit to Brazil.
The ancient city came alive with traditional music, praise singers, and cultural displays as the Titan of Yorubaland arrived to a rousing reception.
Elated residents lined the streets, chanting “Kabiyesi oo” and praying for long life and more victories for the monarch.
‘Alaafin Owoade relies heavily on the will and wishes of his subjects. In politics also, he is concerned about the sanctity of his position, whatever happens and the welfare of his people.
Thus, to secure his support, a politician must convince him of offering his exalted position the highest degree of dignity, respect and honour it deserves as well as the care of his people through the dividends of democracy, hence the recent approval by President Bola Tinubu for the construction of multi- billion naira circular road in Oyo City.
The very urbane monarch, is a man at home with himself at all times, as he exudes confidence in all his dealings.
The Titan of Yorubaland is of the conviction that a people without a cultural identity of their own would be lost in the forward march of world history and their contributions to human civilization forgotten very easily.
In just one year and some months on the throne of his forefathers, Oba Owoade is has taken traditional leadership to another level, using his exposure, wealth and power to benefit his people and mankind.
The Alaafin has displayed a great deal of ingenuity in bringing touches of modernity to the ancient Oyo Palace without losing its traditional essence, a development that has turned the place to a Tourist Centre.
A Paramount Ruler with deep compassion and unrivaled generosity, Alaafin uses what God has endowed him with to touch the lives of the people.
