The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has called for stronger partnerships between Yoruba people in the diaspora and those in the ancestral homeland to promote cultural preservation and accelerate development.

The monarch made the call during his visit to Melbourne, Australia, where he was accompanied by his Queen Consort, Ayaba Abiwunmi Olajumoke, to headline the 30th anniversary celebration of the Yoruba Heritage and Cultural Association Victoria (YHCAV).

Oba Owoade said collaboration between Yoruba people at home and abroad had become imperative, urging members of the diaspora to see themselves as partners in the development of their ancestral homeland.

He said such partnerships would enable returning members of the diaspora to contribute meaningfully to development rather than merely express dissatisfaction with conditions at home.

The Alaafin described partnership as a voluntary collaborative arrangement through which two or more parties work towards a common purpose, share interests and concerns, and develop a common vision for the future.

He also urged Yoruba people in the diaspora to intensify efforts towards cultural preservation, particularly among younger generations who might become disconnected from their heritage because of geographical distance and exposure to other cultures.

According to him, the Yoruba diaspora has an important role to play in influencing cultural consciousness in the homeland, where some people are increasingly moving away from the preservation of indigenous traditions and religion.

The monarch said African culture had demonstrated resilience despite years of external pressure, adding that Yoruba civilisation continued to attract scholarly attention and international interest.

He emphasised its commitment to defending Yoruba interests and preserving the cultural and intellectual heritage of the people, irrespective of where they live across the world.

The Alaafin also used the engagement to explain the vision behind the proposed Oyo Empire Day celebration, describing it as an annual platform for celebrating Oyo history, heritage, people and enduring legacy.

He said the initiative was designed to reconnect people of Oyo ancestry scattered across different communities, states and countries, adding that it would serve as a homecoming, heritage celebration, educational platform, cultural showcase and tourism initiative.

Oba Owoade explained that the choice of the name Oyo Empire Day, rather than simply Oyo Day, reflected the wider historical reach of the old Oyo Empire beyond the geographical boundaries of present-day Oyo town and Oyo State.

He listed communities in Kwara, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos and Kogi states, as well as the Republic of Benin and other parts of the diaspora, among places where people with historical connections to Oyo could be found.

The monarch stressed that the celebration was not intended to subsume those communities under Oyo Atiba or undermine their individual identities, but to recognise and celebrate their historical connections to the Oyo Empire.

He said the traditional institution of the Alaafin would provide a bridge between the historical empire and contemporary generations seeking to understand and preserve their ancestry.

The monarch’s arrival in Melbourne was marked by a reception involving members of the Yoruba community, many of whom wore aso-oke and performed traditional greetings. (Saturday Guardian)