The Oyo Town Coronation Local Organizing Committee (LOC) hosted a special Coronation Colloquium as part of the second-day celebrations marking the installation of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I as the new Alaafin of Oyo.
The event brought together scholars, historians, and cultural leaders to discuss the rich history, cultural heritage, and leadership significance of the Alaafin in Yoruba land. It served as a platform to highlight the historical role of the Oyo Empire and chart a path for the future of the monarchy.
The colloquium, attended by renowned historians such as Prof. Bolanle Awe (OFR, FHSN, FNAL), Prof. Anthony Asiwaju (MFR, FNAL, FHSN), Prof. Siyan Oyeweso (FHSN, FNAL), and Prof. Akin Alao (FHSN, FNAL), focused on the theme: “The Alaafin in History and Modern Leadership: Preserving the Legacy and Defining the Future.” Discussions centered on traditional leadership’s relevance in contemporary governance, as well as the impact of globalization and modernization on Oyo’s monarchy.
Oyo Town, known as the seat of the historic Oyo Empire, has been a symbol of leadership and governance since the time of Oranmiyan around 1300. The Alaafin’s stool remains one of the most influential traditional institutions in Yoruba land. The colloquium provided an opportunity to reflect on Oyo’s historical contributions and discuss strategies for preserving its cultural and political influence.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso emphasized the need for professional historians to handle Yoruba history rather than relying on social media narratives, which, according to him, are often dominated by amateur and uninformed commentators. He urged historians to document history with accuracy and integrity, ensuring that the legacy of the Yoruba people is preserved for future generations.
Prof. Oyeweso took attendees on a historical journey, tracing the evolution of Oyo from Oranmiyan’s era to the rise and fall of the Old Oyo Empire in 1835. He connected this past with present-day Oyo, highlighting the continuity of the Yoruba Kingdom and the significance of the Alaafin’s role.
The historian commended Oyo’s internal conflict resolution system and urged the new Alaafin to uphold this tradition of diplomacy and leadership. He also called on the people of Oyo to support their king, emphasizing that peace and unity are essential for development.
Additionally, Prof. Oyeweso proposed the establishment of an ALAAFIN NATIONAL ACADEMY OF TRADITIONAL LEADERSHIP, GOVERNANCE, AND NATIONAL VALUES, to be affiliated with a public university in Oyo in similar to Olabisi Onabanjo University and Tai Solarin University of Education. He encouraged the new Alaafin and the Oyo State Government to collaborate in bringing this vision to life.
The professor also urged all Oyo indigenes to unite in the pursuit of development, encouraging them to uphold the ‘Ajise bi Oyo laari’ (Oyo is second to none) philosophy. He appealed to royal princes and princesses to put aside any grievances related to the selection process of the new Alaafin and rally around him for the greater good of Oyo.
Speaking at the event, Professor Sunday Olawale Okeniyi, the Vice Chancellor of Atiba University, emphasized the importance of balancing tradition with modern governance. He reiterated that the Alaafin’s leadership remains central to peace, unity, and development in Yoruba land.
The colloquium featured robust discussions among scholars, policymakers, and cultural custodians on the role of monarchy in national development, the significance of cultural institutions, and the preservation of Yoruba traditions amid globalization.
The Colloquium renewed commitments from participants to support the new Alaafin and ensure that Oyo’s rich legacy continues to thrive in the modern era.
