ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday welcomed the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, and his wife, Olori Abiwumi Owoade, at the State House, Abuja, in a symbolic visit that reaffirmed the deep cultural ties between the Nigerian government and traditional institutions.
The royal visit, the first by the monarch since his ascension to the historic throne of the Oyo Empire, drew high-level dignitaries including the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammed Idris.
President Tinubu, in his remarks, described the Alaafin’s visit as a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s rich heritage and the enduring role of traditional leadership in preserving peace, unity, and cultural values. He congratulated Oba Owoade on his ascension, expressing confidence that the monarch would bring wisdom and progressive leadership to the people of Oyo and beyond.
“The Alaafin’s stool carries centuries of history, pride, and responsibility. We are confident that under your reign, Oyo Kingdom will continue to flourish in unity, development, and cultural pride,” the President stated.
Oba Owoade, who was received with royal dignity, pledged to use his reign to promote national harmony and grassroots development, while also supporting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He also thanked the President for the warm reception and for recognizing the place of traditional rulers in national governance and community mobilization.
The visit was marked by rich cultural display and heartfelt exchanges, underscoring the significance of the traditional institution as a stabilizing force in Nigerian society. The Alaafin’s visit to Aso Rock not only signaled the beginning of a new chapter in Oyo’s royal history but also reinforced the vital connection between the federal government and Nigeria’s traditional systems.
