Oyo World Congress: Indigenes Unite for Growth, development, cultural renewal
The ancient city of Oyo-Alaafin is once again at the center of a grand awakening as her indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora, prepare for the maiden edition of the Oyo World Congress, slated for December 21–27, 2025.
At a recently concluded media parley, Oyo sons and daughters gathered to unveil to the Congress an ambitious project designed as a mechanism for unity, growth, and development across the Oyo heritage.
The event, tagged “Agenda-Setting Parley Towards Oyo World Congress 2025,” served as a prelude to what many have described as a historic initiative aimed at rekindling the spirit of Ajise bi Oyo la a ri, the proverbial excellence of Oyo people in all spheres of life.
Speaking at the parley, Omo-oba Sheriff Onisile delivered a stirring reflection on the historical richness of Oyo-Alaafin, tracing its influence from the pre-colonial to post-colonial eras. He described Oyo as the heartbeat of Yoruba civilization and the epicenter of Yoruba intellectual and political evolution.
Onisile emphasized that the greatness of Oyo has always rested on its capacity for self-reinvention, strategic leadership, and communal solidarity. He argued that the Oyo World Congress represents a timely opportunity to reawaken that tradition of collective purpose.
In his detailed address, Onisile proposed a problem-solving model for addressing Oyo’s current challenges, one rooted in cultural renewal, economic collaboration, and investment mobilization. He said the Congress would serve as a platform for Oyo indigenes to speak with one voice, attract industries, and encourage infrastructural development.
He further called on the people to reconnect with Yoruba traditional crafts that once defined their global identity. “Our forefathers built empires with skill and pride,” he said. “We must return to the art of calabash carving, aso ofi weaving, bronze and iron smithing, talking drum making, basket weaving, and clay pottery. These crafts are more than culture; they are our economic signatures.”
Onisile commended the organizers for creating a structure that combines heritage preservation with socio-economic transformation. He concluded that only through unity, creativity, and cultural pride can Oyo reclaim its rightful place as the cultural headquarters of the Yoruba nation.
Delivering the keynote speech, Prince Dr. Ayobami Sanda Ladigbolu, PhD, described the forthcoming Congress as a clarion call to all Oyo indigenes across the globe to unite and rebuild their homeland.
He stressed that Oyo’s greatness lies not just in its past but in the ability of its people to come together and define their collective future. “This gathering,” he said, “is about charting a new course for development, a chance to make Oyo-Alaafin great again, not just in words, but through deliberate collaboration.”
Dr. Sanda emphasized that the Congress is not a political movement but a social and cultural platform for dialogue, planning, and progress. He urged all associations, traditional groups, and clubs to key into the vision and ensure full participation in the December event.
He described unity as the most powerful weapon for transformation, reminding the audience that the decline of any civilization begins when its people stop talking in one voice. “Oyo,” he noted, “must speak with one voice again, from the palace to the diaspora, for we are one family with one heritage.”
According to him, the Congress would also provide an avenue to address issues of youth empowerment, education, and economic stagnation through collaborative projects and partnerships. He appealed to elites and professionals of Oyo extraction to contribute their expertise and resources to the initiative.
In his remarks, Oladele Adekola Oluwatoyin, the CEO of Olarich Multitrade International, explained that his consulting firm serves as the official project coordinator and convener of the Oyo World Congress.
He said Olarich Multitrade is working closely with the Oyo Descendants Union (ODU) of the U.K./Ireland and the Oyo Global Congress (OGC) to actualize the shared vision of a united Oyo family worldwide.
Oluwatoyin described the Congress as “a bridge of purpose”, linking generations, ideas, and aspirations under a single banner of progress. He assured that the planning team is committed to excellence and transparency in executing the project.
According to him, the Congress would combine cultural festivities with strategic development sessions to harness the intellectual capital and entrepreneurial spirit of Oyo people globally.
He reiterated that the aim is to “build an enduring rallying point that restores Oyo to her rightful status, as a beacon of Yoruba identity, intellect, and industry.”
Prince Kolawole Kadewolu Adeyemi, representing the Oyo Descendants Union (ODU) of U.K./Ireland, described the initiative as “a homecoming of ideas and emotions.” He said the Congress provides a perfect platform for Oyo indigenes in the diaspora to reconnect with their roots and contribute meaningfully to the homeland.
He noted that many Oyo sons and daughters abroad are eager to participate through investments, partnerships, and cultural promotion.
Prince Mukaila Afonja Adebayo, the Baba Iyaji of Oyo, emphasized the importance of unity under the guidance of traditional institutions. He described the Congress as a divine step toward reviving the moral and cultural fabric that binds Oyo together.
He noted that the Alaafin’s palace remains the spiritual compass of the Yoruba people and must continue to serve as a symbol of cohesion, peace, and progress.
Alhaji Bashir Wahab, the Media Coordinator for the project, stated that the Congress would enjoy wide publicity across national and international media platforms. He said the initiative represents a story worth telling, of heritage, hope, and homecoming.
Wahab pledged the media team’s commitment to ensuring effective communication, public engagement, and global visibility for the program.
Aare, Alhaji Bolaji Hassan, lauded the initiative as timely and visionary, stressing that no society can progress without internal unity. He noted that Oyo has always been the cradle of Yoruba leadership and must take the lead again in cultural diplomacy and innovation.
He urged Oyo indigenes to see the Congress not just as an event, but as a lifelong movement toward sustainable development and identity preservation.
Alhaji Nurani Alade, the Baba Loja of Oyo town, expressed optimism that the Congress would enhance local commerce and empower artisans. He called for the inclusion of Oyo market associations in the development blueprint to boost trade and tourism.
According to him, Oyo’s economic revival must begin with strengthening its traditional markets and creating an enabling environment for small businesses to thrive.
Princess Folashade Arewa praised the organizer of the initiative, particularly its emphasis on cultural promotions. She said culture has always been a pillar of Oyo’s social and economic life and must be given utmost attention in the Congress and future programs.
She described the Oyo World Congress as a revival of the Oyo spirit, strong, beautiful, and unyielding in the face of change.
Alhaji Tijani Adebayo Olawoyin-Atiba echoed similar sentiments, describing the Congress as “a renaissance of Oyo consciousness.” He said the unity of purpose being witnessed among Oyo indigenes is unprecedented and a sign that greater things lie ahead.
Olawoyin called on all stakeholders to put aside political, religious, and social differences in the interest of collective progress.
The Oyo World Congress, according to organizers, is designed to become an annual event, celebrating Oyo’s cultural heritage while developing practical frameworks for economic and social advancement.
The gathering will bring together professionals, entrepreneurs, scholars, artisans, and traditional leaders to deliberate on pathways to prosperity for Oyo and its people.
Activities lined up for the Congress include cultural exhibitions, intellectual symposiums, youth empowerment programs, investment forums, and entertainment showcases highlighting Oyo’s traditional music, dance, and craftsmanship.
Organizers say the Congress also aims to reconnect Oyo indigenes in the diaspora with their homeland through opportunities in agriculture, real estate, technology, and creative industries.
The Oyo World Congress will serve as an advocacy platform for policy engagement, enabling Oyo people to have a unified voice in local and international development dialogues.
Participants are expected from across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia, all converging to chart a common future for the ancient city that once stood as the political capital of Yorubaland.
In the words of one participant, “Oyo has spoken before, and the world listened. It is time for Oyo to speak again, not through nostalgia, but through progress.”
As preparations gather momentum, the vision of a united, prosperous, and globally respected Oyo-Alaafin appears not just possible, but inevitable.
The Congress, indeed, is not merely an event. It is a rebirth, a call to unity, culture, and destiny.
