The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has sent a special envoy to the Republic of Benin as part of consultations and mobilisation ahead of the forthcoming Oyo Empire Day celebration.
The three-day mission was undertaken by Prince Sheriff Adebayo-Onisile, a renowned Yoruba historian, according to a statement issued by the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye.
The statement said the visit was aimed at promoting consultation, cultural diplomacy, reconciliation and mobilisation for the celebration, while strengthening historical and cultural ties between the Oyo Empire and Yoruba communities in the Republic of Benin.
The Alaafin said the festival would focus on unity and the commemoration of the historic Yoruba Empire, while showcasing the heritage and achievements of Yoruba civilisation.
During the mission, Adebayo-Onisile visited Igolo, where he was received by Oba Rafiu Adesakin, the Aladjache of Adjache-Ile, Porto-Novo. He also held meetings with Prince Sanni Onikoyi, a retired principal lecturer at the Nigeria-French Village, Badagry; Prince Felix Agboluaje, Olori Ebi of the Agboluaje family of Ifonyin; and other palace officials.
Adebayo-Onisile also met Yoruba elders, politicians, socio-cultural leaders and traders in Porto-Novo. Discussions centred on Yoruba unity, cultural preservation, the historical relationship between Dahomey and the Old Oyo Empire, the proposed visit of the Alaafin to the Republic of Benin and preparations for the Oyo Empire Day celebration.
The Alaafin’s representative said maintaining ancestral connections was important in modern society, particularly as migration and technology increasingly separate families and communities from their historical roots.
He noted that deliberate efforts to preserve history and cultural identity could help strengthen a sense of belonging among Yoruba communities across national borders.
Another meeting was held with the Minister for Secondary Education and Bashorun of Pobeland in the Plateau Province, Chief Clement Kouchade, at his office in Cotonou.
The discussions focused on Oyo heritage in the Republic of Benin, the historical relationship between Yoruba communities and Oyo, and the Alaafin’s concerns about unity and peaceful coexistence among Yoruba people in the country.
Kouchade welcomed the initiative, conveyed greetings to the Alaafin and described him as a major traditional figure in Yorubaland. He also commended his efforts to promote unity, mutual understanding and cultural interaction among Yoruba and other communities in Benin.
The minister said the government and people of Benin looked forward to welcoming the Alaafin to the country.
The envoy also met leaders of Ẹgbẹ Isokan Ọmọ Yoruba in Benin, alongside representatives of the Agboluaje and Onikoyi families.
Several Yoruba personalities attended the meetings, including High Chief Sobaloju of Àjàṣẹ, El-Hadji Ehysse Mahmoud, Alhaja Latifah Aduke, popularly known as Queen Latifah, Hon. Wahabi Amadani, Prof. Taofiki Agboluaje, Monsieur Bashir Gbadamosi Agboluaje, Dr Chakirou Paraizo Agboluaje, Salako Rasaki, Yunousa Oranyan and Prince Felix Agboluaje, among others.
The Alaafin’s palace said the mission had generated interest in the participation of Yoruba communities in the Republic of Benin in the Oyo Empire Day celebration and represented another step towards strengthening ties among the Alaafin’s palace, Yoruba traditional institutions and Yoruba communities across the region.
