Tag: Alaafin of Oyo

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“Purveyor of Unprecedented Achievements”, Alaafin hails Makinde on 58th birthday

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, has congratulated the Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, on the occasion of his 58th birthday, describing him as “a leader who demonstrates the rare combination of thinking and doing.”

Alaafin conveyed the congratulatory message in a Thursday statement signed by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye.

Alaafin expressed that Makinde has exhibited the quality of a good leader who has the courage not only to take actions but also to face the consequences of his actions.

Oba Owoade commended Makinde as a leader with a vision, courage and competence, underscoring his believes in probity as a factor for steady growth in Oyo State.

Owoade said, “Governor Makinde is more interested in people who can sustain his institutional reforms and other legacies and not in his own personal preferences.

“If you are brilliant, truthful and hardworking, he will work with you. He runs an inclusive government but you can only get something from him if you key into his vision of RTR, meaning reformation, transformation and repositioning. Makinde is a true believer who fears God and in tune with the spirit of the word of God . He is not arrogant, uncouth, and incoherent.”

Alaafin said that the State will always be grateful to Governor Makinde as the purveyor of unprecedented achievements that have far-reaching effects on the lives of the people.

Oba Owoade therefore prayed God to grant Gov. Makinde long life, good health and divine guidance in the arduous tasks ahead of him. (TVCNews)

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Adebutu Kessington brokers peace as Ooni, Alaafin end feud

The head of the Oduduwa race Worldwide & Permanent Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Council, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, on Friday held a meeting in Lagos, where they reaffirmed commitment to the unity and peace of communities across Yorubaland.

The historic meeting, held at the Eko Hotel Signature Building, was convened by the Odole-Oodua, Sir Kessington Adebutu, during his birthday anniversary.

A release made available by the palace of Ooni of Ife, said the two monarchs in a communique issued after the meeting, emphasised their shared commitment to peace, mutual respect, and the advancement of the Yoruba people.

“They announced the creation of a Joint Council of Yoruba Unity, a body that will focus on peacebuilding, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic development across Yorubaland,” the release read.

The monarchs also called for continuous dialogue and collaboration between the two ancient thrones, stressing that the Yoruba race can only achieve greatness through unity and collective progress.

“Today marks a defining moment in our shared history. We are committed to promoting harmony among Yoruba sons and daughters and to upholding the sacred values of mutual respect and brotherhood bequeathed to us by our forebears,” the communiqué stated.

It further read, “The meeting, attended by eminent Yoruba leaders, traditional rulers, and cultural custodians, focused on strengthening inter-kingdom cooperation and encouraging other traditional rulers to emulate the spirit of togetherness demonstrated by the two monarchs.

“In their closing prayers, the Ooni and Alaafin jointly sought divine guidance, peace, and prosperity for Yorubaland, Nigeria, and the African continent at large. The session ended with an exchange of goodwill and royal blessings between the two revered thrones.”

Speaking, Sir Adebutu, who convened the meeting, expressed joy at witnessing the unity between the two prominent monarchs, describing it as a milestone that would foster peace and progress among the Yoruba people. (Punch)

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UNESCO recognises Sango festival as world heritage

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation has formally recognised the Sango Festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, presented UNESCO’s certificate of inscription to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the presentation took place at the grand finale of the 2025 World Sango Festival, held over the weekend in Oyo State.

Musawa described the achievement as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s cultural landscape.

She said the feat demonstrates the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s rich cultural heritage and promoting it as a tool for international diplomacy and sustainable tourism.

The minister commended the collaborative efforts between her ministry and the Oyo community, noting that the recognition aligns with the Federal Government’s broader goals of cultural promotion, employment generation, wealth creation, and community empowerment.

She said, “I heartily congratulate Your Imperial Majesty, the new Sango Chief Priest, the Oyo community, and indeed the entire Yoruba nation on the grand finale of the 2025 World Sango Festival.

“The Sango Festival has now attained global recognition with its inscription by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

“This is made possible by effective collaboration between the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and the Oyo community.

“This milestone firmly places Sango’s rich heritage on the world stage and underscores its importance as a shared global heritage.

“This achievement is a shining gain of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, through our ministry’s commitment to safeguarding our rich cultural heritage as a powerful tool for international diplomacy and sustainable tourism.

“The foregoing further strengthens the foundation of our strong cultural identity, geared towards employment generation and wealth creation for sustainable development, empowerment of the host community, and Nigeria.”

In his remarks, the Alaafin of Oyo expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the ministry for their renewed commitment to expanding Nigeria’s culture and heritage, which he said made this recognition possible.

The monarch also reaffirmed the Oyo Kingdom’s cooperation with the federal government and the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy to further promote Nigeria’s cultural identity globally.

The 2025 Sango Festival, which drew dignitaries from within and outside the country, provided the backdrop for the certificate presentation, highlighting the festival’s significance as a cultural treasure and symbol of Nigeria’s rich heritage. (Punch)