The entire residents and people of ancient Oyo town could not hide their joy and ecstasy on Tuesday when the Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Owoade, moved into the ancient Oyo palace located at the Oke Afin area of Oyo town.
Before he emerged as the Alaafin, the ancient palace was in ruins and empty, as all the facilities inside it were not only vandalised, but structures in the edifice were in dire need of rehabilitation and reconstruction.
But soon after he ascended the throne, Oba Owoade began the task of rehabilitating part of the ancient Palace, thus preserving the tangible Yoruba cultural heritage.
The rehabilitation works were supervised by the Personal Assistant to the Alaafin, Reverend Dr. Kolade Oladele.
After the renovation, the Palace structures, bold, sturdy, and resilient as they stood, are radiating their timeless beauty and charm through well-structured layouts, carefully crafted columns, windows, and doors, bearing the artistic patterns and imprints of the ancient Oyo art.
Almost all the houses had courtyards, while the finer and stronger-looking structures had more than one courtyard.
Each of the courtyards is surrounded by rooms that open into the courtyard.
Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, confirming the development, said a visit to the ancient Palace will no doubt convince one that it is indeed a storehouse of Yoruba culture and tradition.
He said, “The Palace is adorned with works of art, various forms of sculptures that include the carved wooden house posts, and door panels, which are the traditional status symbol of wealth and royalty.
“Modern figures of lions and hunters are made from mortals, while walls are decorated with mosaics and painted murals depicting scenes from life, as well as decorated calabash and imaginary beings.
“The traditional architectural designs are superb and second to none among ancient palaces in the country, as attested to by tourism experts from different countries across the world who visited it.
“Investigation further revealed that the Alaafin’s Palace is the largest, as it has over 200 buildings.
“There are also fountains in the courtyard and garden.
“The Alaafin’s Palace is unique in Nigerian culture, particularly within the Yoruba ethnic group. It is the traditional seat of the Alaafin, regarded as the Superior Ruler of the Oyo Empire, one of the most powerful and influential empires in West Africa’s history.
“The Palace itself symbolises the might and sophistication of the Oyo Empire, which, at its height, controlled vast territories and played a central role in the region’s politics, trade, and cultural life.
“Visitors to Alaafin’s Palace are often struck by the stunning artistry that adorns the palace walls, from the elaborate carvings and murals depicting historical events to the rich tapestries and artefacts telling the story of the Oyo people.
“The Palace is also a Centre for traditional festivals, ceremonies, and rituals, which continue to draw people from all over the country and beyond.”
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