The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade I, has dispatched a special envoy to the Republic of Benin to foster historical and cultural ties between the Oyo Empire and Yoruba communities in Benin Republic. The envoy, Prince Sheriff Adebayo-Onisile, a renowned Yoruba historian, undertook a three-day mission to reinforce cultural diplomacy, reconciliation, and mobilisation towards the Oyo Empire Day celebration. This festival is a unity and celebration of Yoruba civilisation.
According to a statement by the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the mission generated goodwill and enthusiasm for participation of Yoruba communities in Benin Republic in the celebration. The visit demonstrated considerable goodwill towards the Alaafin and his initiative to promote unity, peace, cultural preservation, and stronger relationships among Yoruba communities across national boundaries. The Alaafin’s efforts aim to restore a sense of belonging among Yoruba communities in Benin Republic.
During the visit, Prince Onisile met with Yoruba elders, politicians, sociocultural leaders, and traders at the Aladjache Palace in Porto-Novo. The meeting deliberated on unity of Yoruba in Porto-Novo, preservation of Yoruba culture, historical relations between Dahomey and the Old Oyo Empire, the planned visit of the Alaafin to Benin Republic, and preparations for Oyo Empire Day. The discussions highlighted the ancestral connection that restores belonging in a modern world fragmented by mobility and technology.
The envoy also met with Chief Clement Kouchade, Minister for Secondary Education and Bashorun of Pobe in Plateau Province, at his office at the Federal Secretariat, Cotonou. The meeting centred on Oyo heritage in Benin, historical ties between Yoruba communities and Oyo, and the Alaafin’s concern for unity and peaceful coexistence of Yoruba in Benin Republic. Kouchade commended the Alaafin’s fatherly intervention in promoting unity and cultural interaction.
A crucial meeting was held with leaders of Egbe Isokan Omo Yoruba in Benin Republic, alongside representatives of the Agboluaje and Onikoyi families. The delegation included Pa Oniloude Eegoubiyi Macaire, former Governor of Oueme and Plateau Provinces and Secretary-General of Egbe Isokan Omo Yoruba, and Prof. Oyedekpo Mouftaou Laleye, former Ambassador of Benin Republic to Nigeria. Prince Onisile conveyed Alaafin’s message of peace and unity and outlined expectations for participation of Yoruba in Benin Republic in the Oyo Empire Day celebration.
Leaders of Egbe Isokan Omo Yoruba expressed appreciation for the Alaafin’s fatherly role and pledged to reconcile factions among Yoruba in Porto-Novo in the spirit of respect for Iku Baba Yeye. Egbe Isokan Omo Yoruba, the umbrella body for indigenous Yoruba sociocultural organisations in Benin Republic, is preparing for its annual anniversary in November 2026 in Ouidah. The Alaafin’s efforts aim to promote unity and cultural preservation among Yoruba communities.
The envoy’s last stop was Ayogo-Ile, an ancient settlement with historical links to Oyo-Ile. The visit discussed prospects of strengthening cultural and traditional relations between Ayogo-Ile and the Alaafin’s Palace. According to traditional accounts, its ancestors are linked to Ona-Efa, an emissary of the Alaafin who settled in the area about four centuries ago on a mission to collect Isakole (tribute). The Alayogo is regarded as Arole Alaafin in Ayogo-Ile Kingdom.
Key points
- The Alaafin of Oyo dispatched an envoy to Benin Republic to foster cultural ties and unity ahead of the Oyo Empire Day celebration.
- The envoy, Prince Sheriff Adebayo-Onisile, met with Yoruba leaders and communities to promote the Alaafin’s initiative for unity and cultural preservation.
- The visit generated goodwill and enthusiasm for participation of Yoruba communities in Benin Republic in the Oyo Empire Day celebration.
