The newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Abdul-Akeem Owoade I, received a surprise royal visit in the early hours of Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from a high-powered delegation from Oko-Irese, Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The delegation was led by Alayeluwa Oba (Dr.) Solomon Olagoke Adisa Akinola Oyeyode III, the Oranmiyan of Okoland. The visit served as a symbolic gesture of solidarity and allegiance from the Oko community to the new Alaafin.
During the visit, High Chief Solomon Adekola Ojedayo, the Elejemu of Okoland, formally welcomed Oba Abimbola to the throne of his ancestors and offered prayers for a long, peaceful, and prosperous reign.
In his address, Oba Oyeyode described Oko-Irese as the Alaafin’s second home and pledged unwavering support to the new monarch, referring to the visit as a reaffirmation of their historic ties.
Responding, Oba Abimbola expressed deep joy and affection for Oko-Irese, declaring, “Oko-Irese is my hometown, and I am always ready to fight for its progress.”
Prayers were offered by Rev’d Dr. T.S. Kolade, who called on divine guidance for the reign of the new Alaafin, asking that his administration be founded on righteousness and bring fruitful outcomes for the Oyo Kingdom.
The visit was witnessed by members of the Oloko chieftaincy families, Oloko-in-Council, Oko Development Association (ODA), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Oko Muslim Community, Isese traditional faithful, and other well-wishers from the community.
