The Alaafin of Oyo-elect, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has expressed his commitment to securing the return of artefacts taken from the kingdom by the British in 1895.
A statement by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, said the monarch would ensure the artefacts are repatriated with financial compensation.
“Nigeria recently negotiated the return of Benin artefacts looted during the 1897 British expedition. Oba Owoade will ensure Oyo’s artefacts are also brought back with some payments,” the statement read.
The traditional ruler disclosed that he had engaged with international organisations willing to support his vision for the kingdom’s development.
He reiterated his resolve to address youth unemployment by equipping job-seeking graduates with vocational skills. He also promised empowerment programmes for widows and widowers to enhance their socioeconomic well-being.
Oba Owoade assured the people that he would build on the legacy of his predecessor, the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, by promoting Oyo’s cultural heritage and improving the Sango and Oranmiyan festivals.
He added that some graduates would be trained in cyber security to curb the increasing migration of young Nigerians in search of greener pastures.
“What is more, the development of health facilities has been my priority, and I want to be remembered for it during my reign,” the monarch said.
