OYO State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has presented certificate of office to the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade as the 44th Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom.
The presentation was carried out this morning in low key event at the Government House before the new monarch headed to the ancient town.
This is as indication emerged that the Oba Abimbola Owoade, upon his installation, may begin his reign over the ancient town of Oyo from his personal palace, called White House, located in the Boroboro Area of Oyo.
There are indications that the Alaafin-elect, Prince Abimbola Owoade, upon his installation, may begin his reign over the ancient town of Oyo from his personal palace, called White House, located at Boroboro Area of Oyo.
This is because the ancient place which served as the seat of power for the immediate past Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, is in ruins.
Speaking on the condition of the palace, a source who pleaded anonymity said the two years that the stool has been vacant has had a negative effect not only on the town but even the palace and structures within it.
According to the source, the palace was gutted by fire sometime last year but the prompt intervention of firefighters, stationed close to the place, helped save the situation.
The source explained that the palace is now a shadow of its old self as virtually everything in the entire building has been removed while others have been vandalised.
He added that not even a needle could be found in the palace, which has been overgrown with weeds.
The source said that although the head of slaves locally called Kudefu still resides in the palace with his family in accordance with tradition, other slaves who work in the palace return to their family houses every night and only report to the palace every morning.
He added that, before being announced at the Alaafin-elect, Prince Owoade had built for himself a magnificent palace that is spacious enough to serve the purpose.
The source said “Well, the palace is a shadow of itself. It has been in ruins since over a year ago. It was gutted by fire sometime last year.
“Virtually everything in the entire building has been removed and or vandalised. Nothing, not even a needle can be found in the building.
“It gutted fire late last year, thanks to the firefighters located in front of the palace. There has been a series of vandalisations. The electric pole at the back of the palace had collapsed and in fact, it is in total ruins and not only in total ruins, but bushy.
“Though the head of palace slaves, the Kudefu is living in the palace with his family as dictated by tradition, other palace slaves go to their homes in the evening but they must report at the palace every day. It is a harrowing experience.
“The new Alaafin when he returns to Nigeria will go straight to his house, the White House at Boroboro area.
“The Imperial majesty had built his own palace, it is located in the Boroboro area. It is a spacious and a magnificent building.”
Eighteen-Eleven Media