The Alaafin of Oyo-elect, Oba Akeem Owoade, has expressed his determination to secure the return of artefacts taken by the British in 1895. In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Oba Owoade emphasized his commitment to repatriating these cultural treasures, potentially accompanied by financial compensation.
Drawing parallels to Nigeria’s recent success in negotiating the return of Benin artefacts looted during the 1897 British expedition, Oba Owoade aims to ensure that Oyo’s artefacts are similarly repatriated.
Beyond artefact repatriation, Oba Owoade has outlined a comprehensive vision for the development of the Oyo Kingdom. He has engaged with international organizations willing to support his initiatives, which include:
• Youth Empowerment: Implementing vocational training programs to reduce unemployment among graduates and equipping them with cyber security skills to deter migration in search of better opportunities.
• Support for Widows and Widowers: Launching empowerment programs aimed at enhancing the socioeconomic well-being of widows and widowers within the community.
• Cultural Promotion: Building upon the legacy of his predecessor, the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, by enhancing cultural festivals such as Sango and Oranmiyan to preserve and celebrate Oyo’s rich heritage.
• Healthcare Development: Prioritizing the advancement of health facilities to improve access to quality healthcare services for the people of Oyo.
Oba Owoade’s initiatives reflect a holistic approach to leadership, focusing on cultural restitution, socioeconomic development, and the preservation of the kingdom’s heritage.
