The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has said that the Oyo Empire Day celebration 2026 was not meant to diminish the history of other tribes in Yorubaland and Nigeria in general.
Owoade stated this while inaugurating the Central Working Committee of the Oyo Empire Day Celebration 2026, on Tuesday in Oyo.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that theme of the celebration slated for Dec. 17 to Dec.19 is: “Celebrating Our Heritage, Preserving Our Legacy, Building Our Future”.
The traditional ruler said that the celebration was conceived as an annual platform for celebrating and showcasing the rich history, heritage, culture, achievements, and enduring legacy of the ancient Oyo Empire.
He said that the history of Oyo Empire was not confined to the walls of the palace but has its footprints across many Yoruba communities and territories and beyond, that interacted with, formed part of, or were influenced by its civilization.
Oba Owoade said that the celebration was aimed at promoting cultural consciousness, unity, historical appreciation, and intergenerational engagement with shared heritage.
“We must preserve our legacy because people who lose their history gradually lose an important part of their identity.
“We must build our future because history should not become a museum of memories. It should become a foundation upon which future generations can build,” he said.
The royal father said that the event would bring together Oyo people, traditional institutions, scholars, historians, cultural practitioners, governments, businesses, young people and friends of Oyo from Nigeria and across the world.
According to him, the celebration will create an enduring platform for historical research, cultural preservation, tourism development, economic opportunities, youth engagement and international partnerships.
“We intend to use the occasion to showcase the richness of Oyo Empire’s tangible and intangible heritage, while creating opportunities for serious intellectual conversations about our past, our present circumstances and our future possibilities,” he said
Owoade listed towns and cities connected with Oyo Empire to include Jebba, Shao, Offa, Ira, Oro and other Oyo-linked communities in Kwara State; to Ede, Ikirun, Gbongan, Modakeke, and Ilobu in Osun State.
“Also Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Igboho, Saki, Iseyin, Ago-Are and numerous communities across Oyo State; as well as Ilaro, Imasayi, Ibeshe, Oke-Ona, Iperu and Other Oyo-linked communities in Ogun State and to the various Oyo communities and settlements in the Republic of Benin; and from Ondo to Arigidi-Akoko and other communities in Ondo State,” he said.
Oba Owoade said that the proposed programmes of the celebration include the heritage and opening ceremony, book presentation, cultural exhibitions, the Oyo Empire colloquium, tourism activities and other cultural engagements.
He said that the composition of the Central Working Committee comprised of representatives of different generations, professions, communities and areas of expertise.
Oba Owoade tasked members of committee to be committed, display integrity, humility and a strong sense of duty.
NAN reports that the 37-member committee has Dr Adekunle Ogunmola as its Chairman and Prof. Soji Adejumo as Vice Chairman while Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu and 34 others as members.
In his acceptance speech, the committee’s Chairman, Ogunmola, said that he and other members were honored by the confidence and trust reposed in them and promised not let the oba down.
Ogunmola solicited for the cooperation and support of everyone for the success of the celebration
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