Oyo Empire Day: Alaafin Tasks Scholars On Research, Proper Documentation Of History

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola has charged scholars to ensure that the history of the Oyo Empire is properly researched and documented.

At the inauguration of a 37-member Central Working Committee for the maiden Oyo Empire Day Celebration, the monarch said the event will unite Yoruba communities across Nigeria, Benin Republic and the entire world.

While calling on the youths to learn, question, and preserve the empire’s history, the monarch said the celebration was designed to reconnect the Oyo people, both at home and in the diaspora, with their history, heritage, and enduring legacy.

According to him, the Oyo Empire occupies a distinguished place in the history of Yorubaland, West Africa and the African continent.

“Our ancestors built institutions that sustained powerful and influential civilisations for centuries.
“They demonstrated that governance, accountability, diplomacy, courage and collective responsibility are not foreign concepts to our people. These are part of our inheritance,” he said.

Dwelling on the theme of the celebration: “Celebrating Our Heritage, Preserving Our Legacy, Building Our Future”, the Alaafin disclosed that the Oyo Empire Day celebration was “not merely a festival” but a deliberate effort to preserve, document, promote and transmit the heritage to present and future generations.

“We must celebrate our heritage by understanding the values and achievements that made the Oyo civilisation remarkable. We must preserve our legacy because people who lose their history gradually lose an important part of their identity,” the Alaafin stated.

On the importance of the celebration, the monarch also disclosed that it will bring together traditional institutions, scholars, historians, cultural practitioners, governments, businesses, youths and friends of Oyo from Nigeria and across the world.

He listed communities expected to participate to include: Jebba, Shao, Offa and Oro in Kwara; Ede, Ikirun and Modakeke in Osun; Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Saki and Iseyin in Oyo; Ilaro and Iperu in Ogun; as well as Oyo communities in the Republic of Benin, Ondo and Arigidi-Akoko in Ondo State.

“The objective is to reconnect these communities, celebrate our shared heritage, strengthen historical consciousness, and foster enduring bonds among people connected to the Oyo Empire legacy, regardless of present-day political boundaries,” he said.

With some traditional rulers in attendance, the 37-member inaugurated Central Working Committee were announced to include: Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola (Chairman, who pledged readiness of the committee to oorganizea world-class propagation of Oyo cultures and traditions); Prof. Soji Adejumo (Vice Chairman), Prince Dapo Olakulehin (Secretary); Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Engr. A. K. Amodu (Amao Engineering), Chief Banji Ojo, Prof. Kouchade Clement, (Hon. Minister of Secondary Education, Republic of Benin); Professor Abiola Adebayo (Former Vice-Premier Minister); Professor Abiola Adebayo, Republic of Benin, Chief Bisi Ilaka, and Senator Yunus Akintunde.

Alaafin charged the members to work with commitment, integrity and unity of purpose, saying, “We are not organising this celebration for ourselves. We are laying a foundation for generations yet unborn.”