In the history of Kuta, no Alaafin of Oyo ever stepped the soil of the ancient Osun state town in a courtesy visit to the palace. However, the reigning Olowu, Oba Adekunle Makama Oyelude, has set a record, successfully hosting the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade on June 3rd. It was an ambience of royalty mixed with celebration as a galaxy of traditional rulers, and important figures welcomed Oba Owoade to the exquisite palace, which was inaugurated in 2020. After the peaceful occasion, Oba Oyelude spoke with TheTabloid.net. Excerpts
Was Alaafin’s visit scheduled or just a casual stopover in your domain?
You shouldn’t expect a royal father of the Alaafin’s class to do that as an afterthought. No. Protocol doesn’t work that way. He had his itinerary spelt out, and we prepared for his visit.
What did it take you to prepare for him?
Without sounding immodest, by my training and exposure, I know what to do on such an occasion. You would agree with me that we have held a few high profile events in the past; so, what to do to give the Alaafin a befitting reception was on the ground as you could see.
Did that include the number of traditional rulers who converged on your palace?
That is correct. The traditional rulers were invited from five local governments to be part of the history. That is the tradition. The Alaafin is not an ordinary royal father. He is an imperial majesty, the Ikubabayeye himself. We received and accorded him the respect he deserved. We received well too his entourage. That is how it should be, and that is what we are known for in the Olowu’s Palace. Things are changing because we are in a dynamic world. We can’t afford to be backward but we can’t also afford to throw away our culture and tradition.
What precisely did you tell your guest?
I didnt hold a secret meeting with His Imperial Majesty. I urged Kabiesi to unite with the Ooni for the advancement of Yoruba race because that is what we need now, rather than unnecessary bickerings.
The Arole Oodua and the Alaafin are in thier own distinguished classes.
I told him that he is doing his best and that he doesn’t have to be at the same level of productivity everyday. In fact, he doesn’t have to be perfect. All he needs is just to believe in his conviction.
How significant is the visit to you?
It is unique in the sense that it was the first any Alaafin would make to Kuta. Alaafin Owoade is the first Alaafin to visit Kuta in recent history. It is significant because it afforded me the opportunity to tell Kabiyesi the truth about the need for him to work with Kabiesi Ooni of Ife in the interest of Yoruba race. Furthermore, I told Kabiesi Alaafin to help in upholding Yoruba culture and tradition.
Have you a message to traditional rulers in attendance?
I am using this medium to appreciate all my royal colleagues who joined me in receiving the Alaafin of Oyo. I pray for God’s guidance and protection over them.
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