OYO — Joy and celebration filled the streets of Oyo town on Tuesday as residents welcomed their monarch, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, back to the ancient Alaafin’s Palace in Oke Afin. The relocation marks a symbolic return to one of the most revered cultural landmarks in Yoruba history.

The Alaafin’s Palace, often described as a living museum, embodies centuries of Yoruba tradition and artistry. Its sprawling complex of courtyards, halls, and shrines has long been regarded as the heartbeat of the Oyo Empire. Within its walls lie sacred spaces such as the Ile Orun, where ancestors of the Alaafin are honoured, and the Oju Oba, where the monarch holds court and receives his subjects.

For years, however, the palace had fallen into disrepair. Vandals had damaged facilities, and many structures were crumbling. Since ascending the throne, Oba Owoade has made it his mission to restore the grandeur of the palace. Rehabilitation works, overseen by his Personal Assistant, Reverend Dr. Kolade Oladele, have breathed new life into the historic site.

“This palace is not just a building; it is the soul of our people,” Oba Owoade said during the relocation ceremony. “By restoring it, we are preserving the heritage of the Yoruba race for generations yet unborn.”

The restored structures now radiate their timeless beauty, with bold columns, intricately patterned doors, and courtyards that echo the architectural brilliance of ancient Oyo. Artworks and sculptures adorn the complex — from carved wooden posts symbolising wealth and royalty to modern figures of lions and hunters crafted from mortars. Walls are decorated with mosaics and murals depicting everyday life, festivals, and mythical beings.

Tourism experts have hailed the palace as one of the finest examples of traditional architecture in Nigeria. With more than 200 buildings, fountains in its courtyards, and gardens that stretch across the complex, the Alaafin’s Palace is considered the largest of its kind in the country.

“Walking through the palace feels like stepping into history,” said Dr. Oladele. “Every courtyard, every carving tells the story of the Oyo people — their resilience, their artistry, their pride.”

Residents turned out in large numbers to celebrate the Alaafin’s return, describing the moment as a “homecoming of the spirit.” Young and old alike lined the streets, singing, drumming, and dancing as the monarch entered the palace gates.

“We are proud of our king,” said Mrs. Adeola Akinwale, a trader in Oyo. “He is a man of excellence, a leader of thought, and someone who has shown commitment to peace and unity across Yorubaland.”

“This palace is our heritage,” added 70-year-old Pa Oladipo, clutching a decorated calabash. “Our forefathers documented our history here, and we will protect it at all costs.”

The Alaafin’s Palace has historically served as the seat of power for the Oyo Empire, once one of West Africa’s most influential kingdoms. At its height, the empire controlled vast territories and played a central role in politics, trade, and cultural life. Today, the palace continues to host festivals, ceremonies, and rituals that draw visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.

Despite the celebratory mood, the relocation comes amid an ongoing dispute over the rotational chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas. The contest involves the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Owoade; and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Laoye Ghandi.

For now, however, residents of Oyo are focused on the joy of seeing their monarch reclaim his ancestral home.

“This is more than politics,” said youth leader Kehinde Alabi. “Today, history has come alive again in Oyo.”

The Ongoing Feud Over Council Chairmanship

The Alaafin’s triumphant return comes against the backdrop of a simmering feud over the rotational chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. Governor Seyi Makinde recently revived the council after 15 years of inactivity, announcing that the chairmanship would rotate among the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, each serving a two-year term.

At the inauguration, the governor installed the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as the first chairman under the new arrangement. The decision has sparked controversy, with the Alaafin reportedly rejecting the rotational system, arguing that it undermines the historical authority of the Alaafin as the traditional superior ruler of the Oyo Empire.

Civil society groups such as the Oyo Scholars Congress (OSC) and the Oyo Global Forum (OGF) have also criticised the move, insisting that the Alaafin’s position should not be diluted by rotation.

“The Alaafin is not just another monarch; he is the custodian of Yoruba history and culture,” said Dr. Adewale Adebisi, a historian in Oyo. “To reduce his role to a rotating chairmanship is to diminish centuries of tradition.”

The absence of the Alaafin at the inauguration ceremony in Ibadan further highlighted the tension. Observers noted that while the event was filled with pomp, the empty throne of the Alaafin cast a shadow over proceedings.

A Palace Restored, A Throne Contested

For residents of Oyo, the Alaafin’s return to the palace is a moment of pride and cultural renewal. Yet, the ongoing dispute over the council chairmanship underscores the delicate balance between tradition and modern governance.

“We will continue to support our king,” said youth leader Kehinde Alabi. “The palace is our heritage, and the Alaafin is our voice. No rotation can change that.”

As the Alaafin settles into his ancestral home, the grandeur of the palace stands as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Oyo — even as political disputes swirl around its throne.