The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has said the Oyo Empire Day Celebration 2026 is designed to preserve and promote the history and heritage of the ancient empire without diminishing the history of other tribes in Yorubaland or Nigeria.
Owoade made the clarification on Tuesday in Oyo while inaugurating the 37-member Central Working Committee for the celebration, scheduled for December 17 to 19 under the theme, “Celebrating Our Heritage, Preserving Our Legacy, Building Our Future.”
The monarch said the annual event would showcase the history, culture and achievements of the Oyo Empire while promoting cultural consciousness, unity and historical appreciation. He noted that Oyo’s historical influence extended across several communities in present-day Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Ogun and Ondo states, as well as parts of the Republic of Benin.
According to him, the celebration would provide opportunities for historical research, cultural preservation, tourism development, youth engagement and economic activities. It will also feature cultural exhibitions, a book presentation, a colloquium on the Oyo Empire and other heritage and tourism activities.
Owoade said preserving history was essential to maintaining cultural identity, while understanding the past should provide a foundation for building the future. He added that the event would bring together traditional rulers, historians, scholars, cultural practitioners, governments, businesses, young people and friends of Oyo from Nigeria and abroad.
The Central Working Committee is chaired by Dr Adekunle Ogunmola, with Prof. Soji Adejumo as Vice Chairman. Ogunmola pledged the committee’s commitment to delivering a successful celebration and appealed for the cooperation of stakeholders.
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