The Alaafin of Oyo and Titan of Yorubaland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has constituted a broad-based planning committee for the maiden Annual Oyo Empire Day Celebration scheduled to hold from Thursday, December 17 to Saturday, December 19, 2026.
The committee comprises eminent traditional rulers, academics, professionals, business leaders, cultural advocates, media practitioners, youth and women leaders, diaspora representatives, and distinguished sons and daughters of Oyo ancestry drawn from communities across Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
A statement by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, said Oba Owoade charged stakeholders involved in the celebration to rise above sectional interests and work together to ensure that every descendant of Oyo, irrespective of location, profession or social status, finds a place in the historic event.
According to the monarch, the annual celebration is designed to serve as a rallying point for strengthening cultural consciousness, fostering collaboration among Oyo people, encouraging historical research and documentation, promoting tourism and economic partnerships, and inspiring younger generations to preserve the enduring legacy of the Oyo Empire.
The Alaafin stressed that Oyo Empire Day is not a celebration limited to Oyo Atiba alone, but a celebration of the shared ancestry, history, civilisation, institutions, values and cultural heritage of all Oyo-speaking people wherever they reside.
He said the initiative would provide a platform for descendants of the historic empire to reconnect with their identity while promoting unity, scholarship, investment, youth development, cultural renaissance and sustainable socio-economic cooperation.
Among the distinguished personalities nominated to serve on the planning committee are renowned filmmaker and cultural icon, Pa Tunde Kelani; Professor Adejumo; Dr. Kunle Ogunmola; Dr. Wole Akanni Duro-Ladipo; Bishop Ayo Lawrence Ladigbolu; Baba Bamiji Ojo, alongside other eminent academics, professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders.
The committee also includes prominent traditional rulers from different parts of the historic Oyo Empire and Yorubaland, including the Olu of Ilaro, Onimasai of Imasayi, Olu of Owode Yewa, Aboro of Ibese, Olooro of Oro, Oba of Sao, Oranmiyan of Oko, Ogunsua of Modakeke, Ona Onibode of Igboho, Ajori Iwin of Irawo, Alagere of Ago Are, Alado of Awaye and other royal fathers.
Oba Owoade expressed confidence in the experience, patriotism and commitment of the committee members, noting that their collective efforts would lay a strong foundation for what is expected to become an enduring cultural and historical event of international significance.
He added that the participation of traditional rulers and other stakeholders from across the old Oyo Empire demonstrates the inclusive and pan-Oyo character of the celebration.
The full membership of the planning committee is expected to be formally unveiled during its inauguration.
