Speaking at the ceremony, the monarch described the palace as a living museum that preserves the political, cultural, and spiritual heritage of the Yoruba people while adapting to the demands of modern times. The Alaafin was represented at the event by Prince Kabir Owoade.
According to the monarch, the establishment of Ile Oodua, also known as Oduduwa House, within the palace grounds reinforces the historical and spiritual connection between the Alaafin and Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race. He noted that the initiative serves as a permanent reminder of the rich legacy and unity of Yorubaland.
“The Alaafin’s Palace is not only a royal residence but a significant cultural and historical landmark. It reflects our unbroken lineage to Oduduwa through Oranmiyan, the founder of the Oyo Empire, and remains one of Nigeria’s most important historical structures,” he said.
The monarch explained that the palace’s status as the epicentre of the former Oyo Empire, and its role as custodian of Yoruba political, military, and cultural traditions, made it the most appropriate location for the project. He added that the Alaafin dynasty traces its roots directly to Oranmiyan, son of Oduduwa and a central figure in Yoruba history.
Oba Owoade commended the facilitator of the project, Chief Onifade Olanipekun, the Asiwaju Awo of Oyo Kingdom and Chairman of the Isese Worshipping Committee, for his commitment to the development of Oyo and the traditional institution. He called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to promote peace and progress in Yorubaland.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Chief Olanipekun described the Alaafin’s Palace as the heart of Yoruba civilisation, noting that it has preserved key historical and traditional events for centuries. He said the newly commissioned Ile Oodua would serve as a central hub for Yoruba heritage and strengthen the Alaafin’s role as a unifying force.
He recalled that the Oyo Empire was the most powerful state in Yoruba history, with the Alaafin as its paramount ruler, adding that the palace symbolised the centralised authority that once unified vast territories.
According to him, the project represents a bold declaration of the Alaafin’s Oduduwa roots and ensures that the legacy of Oranmiyan remains visible at the centre of Oyo’s royal and cultural life.
Members of the Isese Worshipping Committee, led by Chief Olanipekun, later paid a courtesy visit to the Alaafin to offer New Year prayers and reaffirm their support for the traditional institution.
