ALAAFIN’S VISIT TO OTA LAND REKINDLES YORUBA UNITY, DEVELOPMENT AGENDA

 ALAAFIN’S VISIT TO OTA LAND REKINDLES YORUBA UNITY, DEVELOPMENT AGENDA

The historic visit of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade1, to the palace of the Olota of the Ancient and Paramount Ota town, Awori Kingdom, Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege, has been described as a significant step towards strengthening unity, cultural integration and socio-economic development across Yorubaland.

Olota, Prof. Adeyemi Obalanlege made this statement during an interview with the journalists in his palace in Ota adding that the gathering went beyond ceremonial exchanges, stressing the traditional institutions must continue to serve as platforms for fostering unity, promoting development and preserving the cultural values that bind the Yoruba people together.

"The Alaafin’s visit is seen as a renewed commitment by traditional rulers to collaborate in addressing contemporary challenges confronting their communities, the interaction between us reflected a shared vision of strengthening regional cooperation for the benefit of the people", Olota said.

 Iku Baba yeye, Alafin of Oyo 

Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, 

emphasized that unity among traditional institutions remains essential for attracting investments, promoting cultural tourism and creating an enabling environment for economic growth across the Southwest.

 "My visit to Ota Town is connected to the history and cultural heritage of the Egungun Oya Ikotun of the Arogunmola family, (OTUN -OTA) whose ancestral roots trace back to the Oyo Empire. 

I was contacted by the Onilogbo of Ilogbo, Oba Samuel Olufemi Ojugbele, who informed me that the revered Egungun Oya traces its origin to the ancient Oyo Empire.

I, His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, consider this visit a significant step toward strengthening the ties of brotherhood, cultural preservation, and unity among Yoruba communities", Alafin said.

He emphasized the historical and cultural ties linking the masquerade tradition to Oyo and pledged his unwavering support and partnership whenever Egungun Oya is scheduled to perform in Ota adding that the commitment reflects the collective resolve of traditional rulers to preserve and promote our shared cultural heritage for future generations.

He noted that stronger collaboration among royal fathers would further enhance social stability and communal progress underscoring the need for traditional rulers to complement government efforts by mobilising grassroots support for policies and programmes aimed at delivering the dividends of democracy. 

Alafin stressed that royal institutions remain critical partners in promoting peace, security and sustainable development at the community level saying the visit is widely regarded as a landmark moment in Yoruba traditional history, ended with a renewed call for solidarity among Yoruba communities.

He expressed optimism that the royal engagement would serve as a catalyst for greater socio-economic advancement, cultural rebirth and enduring unity across Ota, Ogun State and the entire Southwest region.

Tope Bankole 

ZIO OTA.