President Tinubu Welcomes Alaafin Of Oyo In Official State House Visit.
President Bola Tinubu warmly received the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, and his wife, Olori Abiwumi Owoade, at the State House in Abuja on Friday, in a visit that underscored the enduring significance of Nigeria’s traditional institutions in fostering unity and cultural pride.
The courtesy call, marked by an atmosphere of mutual respect, saw the President engaging with the revered monarch, who ascended the throne as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo in a grand coronation ceremony last month. Accompanying the Alaafin and his entourage were prominent figures, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, who witnessed the historic reception.
President Tinubu used the occasion to personally congratulate Oba Owoade on his ascension and wished him a peaceful and prosperous reign. Highlighting the vital role of traditional rulers in nation-building, the President urged the Alaafin to continue promoting peace, cultural identity, and development within the Oyo Kingdom and beyond. “The Alaafin’s stool is not just a seat of authority but a living institution that embodies Yoruba history, values, and aspirations,” Tinubu remarked, echoing sentiments he shared during the monarch’s coronation.
The Alaafin, resplendent in traditional regalia, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to foster unity and progress across Nigeria. The visit, which followed Oba Owoade’s arrival in Abuja on Thursday for a strategic meeting with the President, was described by observers as a testament to the strong ties between Nigeria’s political leadership and its cultural custodians.
The Alaafin’s visit comes at a time when traditional institutions are increasingly recognised as vital partners in governance. President Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, at the Alaafin’s coronation on 5 April, has consistently emphasised the importance of monarchs in bridging the past and the future while promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
The meeting concluded with both leaders expressing optimism about continued collaboration to advance the welfare of the Yoruba people and the nation at large. As Oba Owoade departed the State House, the visit was hailed as a powerful symbol of unity, reinforcing the Alaafin’s role as a custodian of tradition and a unifying force for the Yoruba race.
