By Africanad Media | April 2025
In the storied heart of Yorubaland, a new chapter is being written—one marked by vision, unity, and transformation. The ancient OYO Kingdom, long revered as a beacon of royal prestige and cultural pride, is experiencing a resurgence under the reign of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abdul-Akeem Abimbola Owoade, The Elewu-Etu I – Alaafin of OYO.
A series of monumental events took place at the Alaafin’s palace in March 2025 that not only captured the attention of the nation but also reverberated across the global Yoruba Diaspora. These historic moments were anchored around three symbolic actions: the grand return of Diasporans, the unveiling of a comprehensive economic development strategy, and the commissioning of a monumental billboard in the city center—all reflecting the Alaafin’s deep commitment to repositioning OYO as a leader in Africa’s socioeconomic landscape.
1. The Grand Entrance of Diasporans: A Historic Homecoming
It began with a sound—the sound of talking drums, the rattling shekere, and the harmonious chants that echoed across the palace grounds. That sound announced what would become a defining moment: the grand entrance of OYO descendants from Canada and other parts of the world into the royal palace.
The scene was magnificent. Men, women, and children draped in traditional attires—agbada, iro, buba, fila, and gele—danced joyfully to ancestral rhythms. Their hands clapped, their voices soared, and their hearts beamed with pride as they reconnected with their heritage.
This was no ordinary gathering. It was a homecoming. A fulfillment of destiny.
For years, the Yoruba diaspora had yearned for reconnection, and now, under the visionary leadership of Kabiyesi, the doors had been flung wide open. Many of those present were second- or third-generation Yoruba born in the diaspora. For them, this moment was more than symbolic—it was transformational. A deep spiritual and emotional experience. A return to the source.
Kabiyesi welcomed them not just as guests, but as partners in destiny. He described their presence as an answered prayer—proof that the past and future were finally embracing. The chants that followed spoke volumes:
“Orílẹ̀-èdè OYO yóò tún bọ̀ lórí àgà àṣẹ. Àjọṣe àwọn ọmọ rẹ̀ ni yóó dá àjọṣe tuntun sílẹ̀.”
(“The kingdom of OYO will rise again. The unity of her children will forge a new covenant.”)
The entrance served as a reminder that the power of a kingdom lies not just in its soil—but in the hearts of its people, no matter how far they’ve journeyed.
2. Kabiyesi’s Economic Development Plan: Reimagining OYO’s Future
Following the cultural celebration was the unveiling of a strategic economic blueprint—an ambitious roadmap laid out by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Owoade, with the sole aim of transforming OYO Kingdom into a dynamic, prosperous, and industrialized hub in Africa.
This was not merely a vision—it was a detailed, research-backed plan rooted in OYO’s untapped potential, crafted with wisdom and executed with urgency.
A Glimpse into the Economic Blueprint:
I. Harnessing Natural Wealth:
OYO Kingdom is blessed with abundant natural resources, including:
- Limestone, Kaolin, Granite, and Gold
- Forests rich with Timber and Shea Butter Trees
- Numerous rivers offering irrigation and hydroelectric potential
Kabiyesi’s plan proposes:
- Cement factories using local limestone
- Ceramics and porcelain industries utilizing kaolin
- Wood processing industries and export channels for timber
- Irrigation systems to boost all-season farming
- Exploration licenses and partnerships for responsible gold mining
II. Agriculture and Food Security:
OYO is fertile. Its soil, rivers, and climatic conditions are ideal for producing cassava, yam, maize, cocoa, palm oil, and fruits. The plan calls for:
- Mechanized farming and smart agriculture
- Agro-processing plants to reduce post-harvest losses
- Farm-to-market infrastructure for supply chain efficiency
- Youth agro-enterprises and agri-tech startups
III. Cultural Tourism and Global Branding:
The Kingdom’s rich heritage—palaces, festivals, ancestral sites—is now being developed into a world-class tourism economy. The strategy includes:
- Hosting international Yoruba festivals
- Developing royal heritage museums
- Training locals as certified cultural tour guides
- Partnership with global travel agencies to promote OYO tourism
IV. Human Capital and Skills Development:
With a population of nearly 4 million, OYO is home to a youthful, energetic, and intelligent population. Kabiyesi emphasized:
- Building skills acquisition centers
- Supporting artisans and entrepreneurs
- Integrating diaspora mentorship programs
- Providing access to modern education and digital tools
V. The OYO Economic Development Fund (OEDF):
A groundbreaking fund that invites Diaspora Yorubas to invest directly in verified, kingdom-backed projects. From real estate and transportation to ICT and agriculture, OEDF will serve as a transparent vehicle for collective development.
Expected Outcomes:
- Creation of tens of thousands of jobs
- Significant rise in internally generated revenue (IGR)
- Poverty reduction and youth empowerment
- Attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI)
- Global recognition of OYO as an African innovation hub
Kabiyesi, addressing the gathering, declared:
“OYO is not rising because of foreign aid. OYO is rising because her people have chosen to rise together.”
3. A Towering Symbol: Commissioning of the OYO Economic Billboard
One of the most visually captivating moments of the day was the unveiling of the OYO Economic Development Billboard, commissioned by Her Royal Highness, Ayaba Abiwunmi Owoade, on behalf of His Imperial Majesty.
Standing tall in the center of the city, this monumental billboard symbolizes vision, pride, and partnership. With vibrant graphics and clear messaging, the billboard publicly showcases Kabiyesi’s economic agenda and reminds every passerby of the road ahead.
What made this unveiling even more special was its sponsor: the OYO Descendants of Manitoba, Canada.
These proud descendants of the Yoruba nation came together, pooled resources, and gifted their homeland a symbol of promise. In doing so, they demonstrated what happens when heritage meets purpose.
Her Royal Highness, while unveiling the project, said:
“This billboard is more than a sign. It is a declaration—that OYO is ready. Ready to lead. Ready to grow. Ready to stand tall.”
A Call to All Sons and Daughters of OYO
This series of events marks a historic shift. No longer is OYO just a symbol of the past. Under Kabiyesi’s visionary leadership, it has become a platform for the future.
To every Yoruba person in Canada, the US, the UK, Brazil, Trinidad, and across the globe—Kabiyesi is calling.
The palace doors are open. The plans are clear. The opportunities are many.
Whether you’re an investor, educator, artist, engineer, or just someone proud of their roots—your contribution matters. Now is the time to be part of this movement.
“We’re not building for today alone,” said Kabiyesi. “We’re building for generations unborn. Join us.”
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