Alaafin-designate, Prince Owoade, may govern Oyo Kingdom from ‘White House’

Alaafin-designate, Prince Owoade, may govern Oyo Kingdom from ‘White House’

There are growing indications that the newly-designated Alaafin of Oyo, Prince Abimbola Owoade, may commence his reign from his personal residence, the White House, located in the Boroboro Area of Oyo town.

This development comes as the historic palace, which once housed the seat of power for the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, lies in a state of disrepair.

Sources close to the matter reveal that Prince Owoade, currently based in Canada, is expected to return to Oyo on Monday to formally begin his journey toward the throne.

Speculation suggests that a lowkey ceremony, possibly at the Oyo State Government House, could see him receive his staff of office and certificate before making his way to the ancient town.

The state of the royal palace, according to sources, has significantly deteriorated during the two years that the Alaafin throne remained vacant.

“The town, the palace, and the entire environment have suffered during this period,” an anonymous source told The Nation.

The source also described how the palace was ravaged by a fire last year, though firefighters stationed nearby were able to contain the flames and prevent further damage.

However, the palace’s condition remains dire. “What remains now is a shell of its former glory,” the source continued.

“Virtually everything inside has been removed, and what remains has been vandalized. The once regal structure is now overtaken by weeds, and not even a single needle can be found inside.”

In terms of staffing, the source confirmed that although the head of the palace’s traditional slaves, known as Kudefu, continues to live in the palace with his family in accordance with local customs, other palace workers now return to their personal homes at night, only reporting to the palace each morning.

Before being named the Alaafin-elect, Prince Owoade had reportedly constructed a grand and spacious personal palace, one that could well serve as the headquarters for his reign.

As the community awaits his official return, it remains to be seen whether the royal seat will be restored to its former glory or if a new chapter in Oyo’s history will begin from a different location.

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 sometimes last year.
“Virtually everything in the entire building has been removed and or vandalised. Nothing, not even a niddle can be found in the building.

“It gutted fire late last year, thanks to the fire fighters located in front of the palace. It has been 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 back 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 at Boroboro area. It is a spacious and a magnificent building.”