Being the Speech by His Excellency Seyi Makinde, Executive Governor of Oyo State at the Coronation Ceremony of His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo, at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo Town on Saturday, 5 April 2025
This day is finally here. You have waited, you have wondered at a point, some of you may have asked, will it ever happen? But it is happening. We are all here today to witness the coronation ceremony of His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the 46th Alaafin of Oyo. Oyo Ile, as we fondly refer to this ancient town, is one of the oldest civilisations of Yoruba history. And as we gather here to witness this coronation today, we are reminded that even if some things happen and we are derailed, we will never lose our way.
Yes, a lot happened since the last Alaafin joined his ancestors, leaving the throne of his fathers vacant for a while. But we are happy today that those issues have been resolved in the way our fathers would have liked it to be and today, the people of Oyo-Ile, can be proud again of a Kabiyesi that really represents their interests and the interests of our ancestors.
As I have said on several occasions, when it comes to maintaining traditional institutions, our administration will maintain a spotless record of never interfering with the process. We will be here as umpires. A good umpire is always impartial, standing at the sidelines, ensuring that the rules are not broken, but never entering the field to play for one side or the other.
I want to say, congratulations to the people of Oyo Ile. Your patience and resilience have paid off and this is why this day has become a reality.
As I mentioned earlier, this ancient town is the custodian of rich history and tradition and will continue to play a pivotal role in the growth and development of our dear State. When we think of Oyo Ile, one of the first things that come to our mind is homecoming. We think of the important heritage site we have here – the Old Oyo National Park. And in December 2023, UNESCO recognised the World Sango Festival domiciled here on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The first Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) Agricultural Transformation Centre (ATC) as designated by the African Development Bank (AfDB) is also here at Fasola.
And as we celebrate culture and tourism, this year during the International Tourism Summit ITSOyoState 2025, our attention will again be turned to the Oyo Zone as we welcome visitors from across Nigeria and the world and showcase the heritage sites from this Zone. I know Kabiyesi is a lover of tourism, so he will be happy to hear this.
So, today is indeed the beginning of great things to come for this zone not just under our administration but in the future. Because no matter what happens to us as humans, no one can take away our history.
This is a day for all of us, Yorubas both at home and in the diaspora to rejoice.
Let me use this opportunity to ask that Kabiyesi and the Oyo Mesi work to ensure that the traditions around the ascension to the Alaafin throne remain sacrosanct. Whatever needs to be done to protect the throne should be done so that the lacunae that we experienced these past years will never occur again.
On behalf of the Oyo State Government, the sons and daughters of Oyo Ile and the good people of Oyo State, we wish His Imperial Majesty, a long, peaceful and successful reign. May Oyo Ile experience unrivalled development, peace and tranquillity during Kabiyesi’s reign.
K’ade pe l’ori, ki bata pe lese.
Igba yin a tuwa lara.
Kabiyesi o!!!
Thank you and God bless you.
Seyi Makinde
5 April 2025