A gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr. Oyedele Hakeem Alao, widely known as Allow Alao, has joined millions of well-wishers across Nigeria and the global Yoruba diaspora to celebrate the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, on the auspicious occasion of his birthday.
In a deeply heartfelt congratulatory message released early Friday morning, Engr. Alao extolled the monarch’s virtues, describing the Alaafin as a sovereign whose short but impactful reign has brought renewed dignity, profound unity, and an invigorated sense of cultural pride to the ancient Oyo Kingdom and the entire Yoruba race.
The APC chieftain emphasized that the birthday celebration transcended a mere personal milestone for the 46th Alaafin. He framed it as a moment of collective joy and introspection for the people of Oyo, the Oke-Ogun region, and Yorubaland at large, serving as a reminder of their shared heritage and royal legacy.
“Kabiyesi, your ascension to the throne of your forefathers has rekindled hope and restored the fading glory of old Oyo. On this day of your birthday, I rejoice with you and your entire household. I pray that Almighty Allah continues to grant you sound health, profound wisdom, and long life to continue leading our people with equity and justice,” Allow Alao stated in the message.
Engr. Alao, a known advocate for grassroots development and traditional institution preservation, commended Oba Owoade for his unwavering commitment to peace, cultural preservation, and socio-economic development since ascending the revered throne. He noted that the Alaafin’s reign has been distinctly marked by strategic efforts to unite traditional rulers across the Southwest, aggressively promote authentic Yoruba heritage on the global stage, and attract meaningful infrastructural development to Oyo town.
According to the APC stalwart, the monarch’s defining attributes—his striking humility, remarkable accessibility, and fatherly disposition—have endeared him to both the young and the old across the state and beyond.
“Baba is not just the Alaafin of Oyo; he is a living beacon of Yoruba culture and tradition. His wisdom and leadership have become a source of immense strength for all of us at home and in the diaspora. We are proud to have him as our king and the custodian of our heritage,” he added.
The Allow Alao Media Team, in a separate statement, noted that the Alaafin’s birthday presents a critical opportunity for all sons and daughters of Oyo, both at home and abroad, to rededicate themselves to the continuous progress and development of the historic kingdom.
Looking toward the future, Engr. Alao offered prayers for the continuous reign of the monarch in peace and unbroken prosperity. He also pledged his unwavering support for all initiatives aimed at developing Oyo and preserving its rich historical legacy for future generations.
“As we celebrate Kabiyesi today, I pray that his reign will witness unprecedented development, economic prosperity, and lasting harmony in Oyo Kingdom. May his throne continue to wax stronger and may the light of Oyo never dim,” he prayed fervently.
Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I ascended the historic throne of his forefathers as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, succeeding the iconic and long-reigning late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III. Since his coronation and subsequent recognition, the energetic and forward-thinking monarch has been widely praised for his energetic efforts to forge unity among Yoruba Obas and for strategically positioning Oyo town as a premier cultural, spiritual, and tourism hub in Nigeria.Tagged Allow Alao, APC, Oba Abimbola Owoade, Oyedele Alao, Oyo State