The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has begun efforts to unite Yoruba communities in the Republic of Benin ahead of the Oyo Empire Day celebration.
The monarch’s initiative took the form of a three-day cultural diplomacy mission to the neighbouring country, where his representative, Yoruba historian Prince Sheriff Adebayo-Onisile, held consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, politicians and socio-cultural groups.
The mission focused on strengthening Yoruba unity, preserving cultural heritage and encouraging communities in the Benin Republic to participate in the planned celebration of the history and civilisation of the old Oyo Empire.
During the visit, Onisile met the Aladjache of Adjache-Ile (Porto-Novo), Oba Rafiu Atanda Adesakin, and other traditional leaders, as well as Yoruba elders, traders and leaders of socio-cultural organisations.
He also met Beninese Minister for Secondary Education and Bashorun of Pobeland, Chief Clement Kouchade, in Cotonou, where discussions centred on the historical relationship between Yoruba communities and the old Oyo Empire.
Onisile said preserving ancestral ties had become increasingly important as migration and modern technology continued to weaken traditional connections.
He said deliberate efforts to remember Yoruba history could restore a sense of belonging and continuity among communities separated by national borders.
Kouchade welcomed the Alaafin’s initiative and conveyed his greetings to the monarch, whom he described as the “Titan of Yorubaland”.
He also said the government and people of Benin Republic looked forward to receiving the Alaafin during his proposed visit.
The envoy later met leaders of Ẹgbẹ Isokan Ọmọ Yoruba in the Republic of Benin, alongside representatives of the Agboluaje and Oníkòyí families.
He conveyed the Alaafin’s message of peace and unity and sought the participation of Yoruba communities in the Oyo Empire Day programme.
The socio-cultural group pledged to support reconciliation efforts among Yoruba factions in Porto-Novo and resolve their differences peacefully.
Onisile also visited Ayogo-Ile, an ancient settlement said to have historical links with Oyo-Ile. Traditional accounts presented during the visit traced the settlement’s connection to the Alaafin to Ona-Efa, an emissary said to have settled there about four centuries ago to collect tribute on behalf of the Oyo monarch.
The Alaafin’s media office said the mission was part of efforts to strengthen relations between the Oyo Palace, Yoruba traditional institutions and communities across Benin Republic and the wider Yoruba cultural sphere.
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