The new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abdulakeem Abimbola Owoade, began his reign Saturday with a vow to rebuild the kingdom and ensure its development.
In his acceptance speech shortly after receiving his staff of office from Governor Seyi Makinde during his coronation as the 46th Alaafin, Oba Owoade harped on the need for all indigenes and natives of the ancient Oyo town to live in peace and harmony.
His views were supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who charged him to use his stool to foster peace, promote cultural identity, and support governance.
At the ceremony, which was held at the Olivet Heights Baptist School, Oyo, the monarch promised to take advantage of the town’s indigenes in the Diaspora to develop it while also deploying technology where necessary.
Flanked by his wife, the monarch said the firm belief of the people in him was the driving force behind his confidence to take on the new task.
He said the power of unity remains unmatched as it fosters a sense of belonging, overcomes challenges, and ultimately paves the way for shared progress and growth.
Oba Owoade added that by pooling resources, expertise and diversity, communities can accomplish far more together than any individual could achieve on their own.
The monarch said he is looking towards partnering with Oyo indigenes at home and in the Diaspora to provide the modern developmental planks for the transformation of the kingdom.
Alliance between him and Diaspora Oyo indigenes, he noted, will produce results that will be beneficial to all.
Oba Owoade said, “I, Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin-designate, want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to every one of you who has been there for me through the ups and downs.
“Your unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in me have been the driving force behind my confidence.
“I am forever grateful for your presence in my life. Thank you for being my rock, my cheerleader, and my constant source of inspiration.
“I am truly blessed to have such an amazing support system, and I promise to always be there for you, just as you have been for me.
“However, human beings are inherently social creatures, and our most significant achievements have always been the result of collective effort.
“Countless historical events and modern-day success stories unequivocally demonstrate the importance of communities working together as one cohesive entity.
“In times of crisis and prosperity alike, the power of unity remains unmatched. It fosters a sense of belonging, overcomes challenges and ultimately paves the way for shared progress and growth.
“Communities consist of diverse individuals, each with unique skills, talents, and perspectives. Harnessing this diversity is essential for fostering innovation, creativity, and problem-solving.
“When individuals work together as a collective, they bring together a wealth of knowledge that multiplies the collective intelligence of the community.
“It allows for the generation of fresh ideas, alternative solutions, and a wider range of possibilities to tackle the challenges at hand. By pooling resources, expertise, and diversity, communities can accomplish far more together than any individual could achieve on their own.”
He said further, “Successful communities are built on mutual support and cooperation. When individuals come together, they create a robust support system that ensures no one feels left behind or excluded.
“Unity strengthens social bonds and fosters a sense of belonging, which is essential for overall well-being.
“By working together, community members can rely on one another during tough times, share their burdens, and collectively overcome adversity.
“This support network provides comfort, encouragement, and reassurance, enabling individuals to face challenges head-on, confident in the knowledge that they are not alone.
“A united community possesses the power to drive change, both within its own realm and on a broader scale. Through collective action, communities can address social injustices, advocate for positive policy changes, and influence public opinion.
“By standing together and amplifying their voices, communities can push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and bring about meaningful progress.
“Communities that work together in harmony tend to flourish and prosper. By supporting local businesses, sharing resources and collaborating on projects, a strong sense of economic resilience can be built.
“Local economies rely on the collective power of their community to thrive. When residents work together and patronise local establishments, the impact on jobs, commerce, and overall community well-being is significant.
“Furthermore, shared prosperity goes beyond economic gains; it encompasses improved infrastructure, increased opportunities, and an enhanced quality of life for all community members.
“Consequently, it is time Oyo indigenes at home and in the Diaspora start partnering for synergy. Without doubt, we can find strength in unity. This has become imperative so that whenever our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora come home, they won’t be complainers about how things are not working.
“But rather, they would see themselves as partners and partakers in the overall development for a better future of their homeland.
“In this regard, the kind of partnering one envisages between the Oyo indigenes at home and in the Diaspora is the type that will provide necessary developmental planks such as intellectual, tech communication, and marketing plans for the homeland that is urgent for modern transformation.
“This is with a view that such an alliance will produce results that will benefit all group and process members.
“In this technology-driven age, when the whole world has virtually dissolved into a global village, meaningful partnering is a foundation for success.
“This is because such collaboration enables continuous improvement, which is created when it doesn’t seem possible to solve a problem or address the situation by just one group due to the magnitude, lack of knowledge, or vague nature of the issue at stake; or when the cost of solving a problem or addressing an issue gets too costly for one group to tackle.
“In an enterprise, therefore, the best partnerships are those (either formal or informal) that have an organization or a structure with a shared vision, mission, and goals, involving people for maximum utilization of emerging and existing technologies.”
