By Oluseye Ojo and Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has pledged to build strong institutions through collaboration and partnership to ensure sustainable growth in Oyo Kingdom. He shared this vision in his acceptance speech after being crowned the 46th Alaafin on Saturday in Oyo town.
Oba Owoade, who succeeded Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III—deceased nearly three years ago—said he aims to create structures with shared goals, using people and technology effectively.
“To my beloved people of Oyo town and its environ, I, Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin Oyo want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to every one of you who has been there for me through the ups and downs,” he said.
He thanked his supporters warmly. “Your unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in me have been the driving force behind my confidence. I am grateful for your presence in my life. Thank
thank you for being my rock, my cheerleader, and my constant source of inspiration,” he added. “I am truly blessed to have such an amazing support system, and I promise to always be there for you, just as you have been for me.”
He stressed the power of unity. “However, human beings are inherently social creatures, and our most significant achievements have always been the result of collective effort,” he noted. “In times of crisis and prosperity alike, the power of unity remains unmatched. It fosters a sense of belonging, overcomes challenges, and ultimately paves the way for shared progress and growth.”
Oba Owoade highlighted diversity’s role. “Communities consist of diverse individuals, each with unique skills, talents, and perspectives. Harnessing this diversity is essential for fostering innovation, creativity, and problem-solving,” he said. “When individuals work together as a collective, they bring together a wealth of knowledge that multiplies the collective intelligence of the community.”
He urged collaboration for progress. “By pooling resources, expertise, and diversity, communities could accomplish far more together than any individual could achieve on their own,” he explained. “Successful communities are built on mutual support and cooperation. When individuals come together, they create a robust support system that ensures no one feels left behind or excluded.”
He called for economic strength. “Communities that work together in harmony tend to flourish and prosper. By supporting local businesses, sharing resources, and collaborating on projects, a strong sense of economic resilience can be built,” he said. “Local economies rely on the collective power of their community to thrive.”
He invited Oyo’s diaspora to join in. “Consequently, it is time Oyo indigenes at home and in the Diaspora start partnering for synergy. Without doubt, we can find strength in unity,” Oba Owoade urged. “In this regard, the kind of partnering one envisages between the Oyo indigenes at home and in the Diaspora is the type that will provide necessary developmental planks such as intellectual, tech communication and marketing plans for the homeland that is urgent for modern transformation.”
He concluded with a tech-driven vision. “In this technology-driven age, when the whole world has virtually dissolved into a global village, meaningfully partnering is a foundation for success,” he said. “In an enterprise therefore, the best partnerships are those (either formal or informal) that have an organisation or a structure with shared vision, mission and goals, involving people for maximum utilisation of emerging and existing technologies.”