In a strong show of traditional institution solidarity, the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, led a delegation of eminent royal fathers from Kwara State on a courtesy visit to His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, Executive Governor of Kwara State, at the Government House, Ilorin.
Royal Delegation Present:
The delegation included revered first-class monarchs from across Kwara, notably:
- HRM Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, Esuwoye II – The Olofa of Offa
- HRM Oba Pharm Ajibola Ademola Julius – The Olusin of Ijara Isin
- * – The Olomu of Omu-Aran
- HRM Oba Ismail Bolaji Yahaya Alebiosu – The Olupo of Ajase-Ipo
- HRM Oba Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti – The Elerin of Erin-Ile
- Other royal fathers from Igbomina, Ekiti, and Isin axis of Kwara South.
The Alaafin of Oyo, though a sovereign outside Kwara, was warmly received as a brother-monarch and cultural bridge, given the deep historical and Yoruba kinship ties between Oyo and Kwara communities.
Purpose of the Visit:
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Alaafin of Oyo commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his “steady hand, inclusive governance, and respect for traditional institutions” since assuming office. He noted that the visit was to:
- Strengthen royal-government partnership for grassroots security and intelligence sharing, especially as schools resume across the state.
- Pledge unalloyed royal support for the Governor’s developmental agenda under Renewed Hope and the Kwara State Sustainable Development Plan.
- Advocate for accelerated infrastructure in Kwara South — particularly rural roads, healthcare, and youth empowerment — to boost commerce between Offa, Omu-Aran, Isin, and neighboring states.
- Commend the Governor for prompt payment of salaries, pension reforms, and non-interference in traditional succession matters.
Governor’s Response:
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq expressed profound appreciation for the royal visit, describing it as “a tonic for greater service.” He reassured the monarchs that his administration regards traditional rulers as first-line stakeholders in security and development.
Key commitments from the Governor:
- Continued monthly security meetings with the Kwara State Traditional Council chaired by the Emir of Ilorin.
- Fast-tracking of the Ajase-Ipo – Omu-Aran – Isin road rehabilitation to aid farm produce evacuation.
- Support for palace renovation initiatives through the Ministry of Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs.
- Inclusion of royal fathers in the State’s new Community Policing & Vigilante Integration Framework.
Remarks by Kwara Royal Fathers:
The Olofa of Offa praised the Governor’s urban renewal in Offa and appealed for more industrial incentives to attract factories.
The Olusin of Ijara Isin thanked the Governor for his swift response to security concerns in Isin LGA and pledged that Isin communities will “remain partners in reporting, not spectators in security.”
The Olomu of Omu-Aran called for special attention to tourism potential around Omu-Aran and neighboring Isin hills.
Collective Pledge:
In a unified voice, the royal fathers pledged to:
. Mobilize their domains for peace and peaceful coexistence.
. Support government policies that bring development to the grassroots.
. Continue to pray for the Governor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the peace of Kwara State.
The visit ended with a closed-door session and group photographs, with the Governor decorating the Alaafin with a Kwara State Friendship Brooch as a symbol of Oyo-Kwara fraternity.
DE LION MEDIA