The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has announced the maiden Oyo Empire Day celebration and constituted a broad-based planning committee ahead of the historic event in December 2026
– Alaafin of Oyo Declares Oyo Empire Day, Calls for Unity Ahead of Historic 2026 Celebration
– Calls for Unity Ahead of Historic 2026 Celebration
By Lukman OMIKUNLE
The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has called on sons and daughters of the ancient Oyo Empire to put aside sectional interests and unite behind the maiden edition of Oyo Empire Day, describing the initiative as a landmark effort to preserve the rich history, culture and shared identity of Oyo-speaking people.
The monarch also announced the constitution of a broad-based planning committee comprising traditional rulers, academics, professionals, business leaders, technocrats, cultural ambassadors, youth and women leaders, media practitioners and diaspora representatives drawn from communities across Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
According to a statement issued by the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the inaugural three-day celebration will hold from December 17 to 19, 2026, and is designed to become an annual cultural event of international significance.
Oba Owoade said the celebration was conceived as a unifying platform to reconnect descendants of the old Oyo Empire with their common ancestry, civilisation, institutions and enduring cultural values.
He explained that the event is intended to bring together people of Oyo ancestry regardless of where they reside or their professional and social backgrounds.
“The annual celebration should serve as a rallying point for all people of Oyo ancestry, strengthen cultural consciousness, foster collaboration among Oyo communities, encourage historical research and documentation, stimulate tourism and economic partnerships, inspire younger generations to appreciate and preserve the enduring legacy of the Oyo Empire, and further project the cultural excellence of the Oyo people to the world,” the monarch said.
The Alaafin stressed that Oyo Empire Day goes beyond Oyo Atiba and is meant to celebrate the collective heritage of all Oyo-speaking communities.
“Oyo Empire Day is not a celebration of Oyo Atiba alone. Rather, it is a celebration of the common ancestry, history, civilisation, institutions, values and cultural heritage of the entire Oyo-speaking people wherever they reside,” he said.
According to the monarch, the annual event will promote unity among Oyo communities while advancing historical scholarship, tourism, investment, youth empowerment, cultural renaissance and sustainable socio-economic collaboration.
Oba Owoade expressed confidence in the calibre of individuals selected to drive the initiative, saying their experience and commitment would ensure the successful take-off of what he envisions as a lasting cultural institution with global appeal.
He also commended traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders for embracing the initiative, describing their support as a reflection of the broad acceptance and pan-Oyo character of the celebration.
Among the traditional rulers named as stakeholders are the Olu of Ilaro, the Onimasai of Imasayi, the Olu of Owode Yewa, the Aboro of Ibese, the Olooro of Oro, the Oba of Sao, the Oranmiyan of Oko, the Ogunsua of Modakeke, the Ona Onibode of Igboho, the Ajori Iwin of Irawo, the Alagere of Ago-Are and the Alado of Awaye.
The committee also includes notable personalities such as Professor Soji Adejumo, Dr Kunle Ogunmola, Dr Wole Akanni Duro-Ladipo, Bishop Ayo Lawrence Ladigbolu, veteran filmmaker Tunde Kelani, Baba Bamiji Ojo, alongside several distinguished academics, entrepreneurs, professionals and cultural advocates.
The statement added that the full membership of the planning committee will be formally unveiled during its inauguration as preparations gather momentum for the historic maiden edition of Oyo Empire Day.
