The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, has inaugurated a 37-member Central Working Committee to coordinate activities for the maiden Oyo Empire Day Celebration scheduled to hold in December 2026.
The inauguration took place on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, as the monarch charged members of the committee to work with unity, integrity and commitment towards preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the ancient Oyo Empire.
The committee is chaired by Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola, while Prof. Soji Adejumo serves as Vice Chairman and Prince Dapo Olakulehin as Secretary.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Alaafin described the Oyo Empire Day Celebration as a deliberate effort to reconnect present and future generations with the remarkable history, institutions and enduring legacy of the Oyo Empire.
He said the Oyo Empire occupied a unique position in the history of Yorubaland, West Africa and the wider African continent, citing its sophisticated political institutions, military organisation, diplomacy, commerce, intellectual traditions and cultural heritage.
The monarch said the celebration, themed “Celebrating Our Heritage, Preserving Our Legacy, Building Our Future,” would go beyond entertainment to promote historical research, cultural preservation, tourism development, economic opportunities, youth engagement and international partnerships.
He said the proposed programmes would include a heritage and opening ceremony, book presentation, cultural exhibitions, the Oyo Empire Colloquium, tourism activities and other cultural engagements.
The Alaafin urged members of the committee to see their appointment as a responsibility to generations yet unborn, stressing that the success of the project could not rest solely on the Palace.
He also called on traditional rulers, scholars, historians, young people, Oyo indigenes in the diaspora, corporate organisations and development partners to support the initiative.
The monarch stressed that the Oyo Empire’s historical footprints extended beyond present-day political and administrative boundaries, with Oyo-linked communities spread across parts of Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Ogun and Ondo states, as well as the Republic of Benin.
According to him, the celebration would seek to reconnect these communities, strengthen historical consciousness and foster enduring bonds among people connected to the Oyo civilisation.
He further charged the committee to think beyond the 2026 celebration and work towards establishing the Oyo Empire Day as an enduring annual institution with international relevance.
“I formally inaugurate the Central Working Committee for the Oyo Empire Day Celebration and charge you to commence your work with immediate effect,” the Alaafin declared.
He expressed the hope that the initiative would strengthen the bonds among the people of Oyo and ensure that the legacy of the Oyo Empire continues to inspire generations yet unborn.
In his welcome address, Retired Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu commended the Alaafin for the initiative, noting that the monarch’s enthronement had brought peace and progress to the kingdom.
He pledged his commitment to the success of the Oyo Empire Day Celebration and urged members of the committee to give their best towards making the initiative a landmark success.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Central Working Committee, Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola, in his acceptance speech, said members had been saddled with the responsibility of laying a solid foundation for the promotion of Oyo’s rich cultural heritage and enduring legacy.
Ogunmola said the committee recognised the significance of the assignment and would work collectively to ensure that the celebration achieved its objectives and laid the foundation for a sustainable annual commemoration of the history and civilisation of the Oyo Empire.
He assured the Alaafin and the people of Oyo that the committee would approach the assignment with dedication, professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility.
