The new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has announced plans to renovate the ancient Alaafin?s palace in Oyo town, describing it as long overdue for reconstruction while assuring all that the project will retain its traditional and cultural heritage.

Speaking in an interview published by Nigerian Tribune on Saturday, Oba Owoade noted that the palace, originally built almost 200 years ago by Atiba ?Latunbosun ? the first Alaafin in the present-day Oyo ? has never undergone major reconstruction.

?If you have been to the Aafin, you will agree with me that it needs some repairs. Some new buildings need to be constructed, and some need to be renovated.

?We are looking at reconstructing the palace without compromising the standard, culture and tradition,? he said.

Oba Owoade also paid tribute to his predecessor, the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, praising him for his efforts in promoting Yoruba culture and tradition.

?I commend Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi, my immediate predecessor. He really did very well in properly projecting Yoruba culture and tradition. I want to take it from where he left it and take our culture and tradition to the next level,? he said.

Reflecting on his journey to the throne, the monarch revealed that he initially turned down the offer to contest for the Alaafin title.

?I was in Canada when my family ? the Mogajis ? called and asked if I wanted to participate in the contest for the next Alaafin. I said I was not interested,? he said. ?But after some persuasion, I gave in. Thank God I am here today as the Alaafin and I am in Oyo to stay.?

Oba Owoade, who lived abroad for over 20 years, nine of which were in England and another 12 in Canada, disclosed that he received news of his selection while asleep in Canada.

?Around 5 o?clock Canadian time, I woke up and checked my phone. I saw a message from my younger brother with a link. The headline read: ?Governor Makinde approves Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as Alaafin-elect?. I thought it was a prank,? he recalled.

On his agenda for Oyo and Yorubaland, the new Alaafin emphasised youth empowerment, peace, unity, and cultural preservation.

?The people need jobs, they need security and peace of mind. Of immediate concern is the need to get our teeming youths gainfully employed and take them off the streets,? he said. He added that plans are underway to provide vocational training in crafts, trades, and cybersecurity for both the less-privileged and graduates.

Oba Owoade also revealed plans to set up a community health centre that will offer free medical services to the people of Oyo, especially the underprivileged, widows and widowers. ?I have shipped in some hospital equipment and I think the whole of Oyo is aware of this,? he said.

As part of efforts to honour individuals who have contributed to Oyo?s development, the monarch said some streets will be named after notable personalities, both living and departed. (The PUNCH)

Update news