ROYAL WELCOME MESSAGE
To His Imperial Majesty
Ọba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I
The Alaafin of Oyo
On His Safe Return from Brazil
Kabiyesi! Atọ́ká àwọn Ọba! Iku Baba Yeye!
We, the children of Oyo, bow in deep reverence as we welcome Your Imperial Majesty home.
Your safe return from Brazil is not just a journey ended — it is prophecy fulfilled.
Like the eagle that soars to distant lands but never forgets its nest, Kabiyesi has flown across oceans to represent the ancient throne of Oduduwa, and Oranmiyan and has returned to us in peace and glory.
Why We Celebrate This Return:
You Have Donated Honour to the Crown
Brazil to Oyo is more than kilometers. It is a bridge between the Yoruba at home and the Yoruba in diaspora.
Kabiyesi’s presence there reminds the world: The Alaafin’s throne is not a museum piece. It is a living voice of history, culture, and royalty.
You went not as a tourist, but as an ambassador of our heritage. You have acquired respect for us on foreign soil.
You Have Strengthened Our Roots Abroad
Wherever Yoruba footprints are, Oyo is the root.
Your trip to Brazil, land of our dispersed children, says to them: “The palace remembers you. The throne still calls you home.”
That is healing for a people scattered by history. That is leadership.
Oyo is Stronger With You Here
A kingdom without a king is a body without a head.
Your return brings balance, blessing, and direction back to the ancient city.
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.” Proverbs 29:2
Oyo rejoices today because the custodian of our culture, tradition, and unity is back on his throne.
Our Prayer for Kabiyesi:
May the God who preserved you on the waters and in foreign lands continue to preserve you on the throne of your fathers.
May your reign be long, peaceful, and impactful — like that of your illustrious forebears.
May your wisdom continue to donate unity to Oyo, donate peace to Yorubaland, and donate direction to Nigeria.
Ọba tó jẹ́ lorí ìlú, E ó máa wà láìsí àìsàn, láìsí ọ̀tẹ́, láìsí ìbànújẹ́.
Ẹ káàbọ̀, Kabiyesi! Ẹ káàbọ̀, Ààrẹ Ọba! Ẹ káàbọ̀, Olú ṣọ̀rọ̀ ọmọ Yorùbá!
We welcome you with drums of joy, hearts of loyalty, and prayers of a grateful people.
With deepest respect and unending loyalty,
*Revd Dr Kolade Oladele*
_PA to Alaafin Ipekun Oba_
