The new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has officially moved into the historic Alaafin Palace in Oyo town, marking a significant milestone nine months after his coronation as the paramount ruler of the ancient Yoruba kingdom.
The grand entry into the palace took place on Tuesday, January 21, 2026, in a colourful ceremony attended by traditional chiefs, members of the Oyomesi Council, royal family members, dignitaries, and thousands of residents from across Oyo and beyond.
Oba Akeem Owoade, who was crowned on April 21, 2025, following the passing of the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, had been residing in a temporary royal residence while extensive renovations were carried out on the centuries-old palace to restore its historical grandeur and modern functionality.
The palace, believed to date back over 600 years, is the traditional seat of the Alaafin and a living symbol of Oyo’s rich cultural heritage. The renovation work included structural reinforcement, electrical and plumbing upgrades, security installations, and the preservation of key historical artefacts and shrines.
Speaking briefly after the symbolic entry, Oba Akeem Owoade expressed gratitude to God, the people of Oyo, and all who supported the process. “This palace is not just a building it is the heart of our history, our culture, and our identity as a people. Today we return home, stronger and more united, to continue the work of building a prosperous Oyo Kingdom.”
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The ceremony featured traditional rites, drumming, dancing, and prayers by palace priests, as well as the presentation of symbolic keys and blessings by senior chiefs.
The Alaafin’s move into the palace is widely seen as a powerful symbol of stability and continuity in the Oyo traditional institution after a prolonged interregnum.
Traditional drummers and chiefs during the ceremony
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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