Alaafin Abimbola Akeem Owoade I: The Titan of Yorubaland with Natural Inner Power that Models Values and Virtues to Sustain Generations to Come
By Bode Durojaiye, the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo.
The Alaafin sits on a throne whose pedigree has been widely acclaimed as the exemplar of a delicate and elaborate mechanism of a constitutionally guaranteed system of checks and balances.
It equally stands out as the best political edifice ever constructed by an African state, ancient or modern.
“Ọ̀yọ́ Empire was in possession of all the land. Ọ̀yọ́ was very swift in its expansion and became one of the earliest states with a central authority system. This makes Ọ̀yọ́ probably the greatest of the forest states in West Africa.
At the height of its existence, having fully developed a sophisticated internal system of government, Ọ̀yọ́ dominated all other Yoruba kingdoms, namely Ifẹ̀, Èkìtì, Ìjẹ̀ṣà, Ẹ̀gbá, Ìjẹ̀bú, Ondo, Sabẹ, and Owu. It stretched into Dahomey, Togo, and parts of the Ashanti in Ghana.
This achievement marked a new phase in the history of the Yoruba, for it witnessed the effective transfer of power from Ile-Ife to Oyo, which became the center of a new powerful empire with far-reaching cultural, political, and linguistic influences.
Oyo soon became the seat of government for the Yoruba people.
Interestingly, the new identity of Oyo was diffused to all parts of Yorubaland with overwhelming adoption.
However, since his ascension to the throne of his forefathers, His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Engineer Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, has been ruling by peaceful means, not with force and control.
When a leader is not conflicted inside and has truly experienced pure, unconditional love, he will be at peace.
Alaafin Owoade does not need affirmation from the outside, nor will criticism affect him. The Paramount Ruler is in an inner state of peace, which is inner power.
This is contrary to someone who has not felt loved, secure, or cared for, and steps into a position of power; such a person tends to lead from a place of control, insecurity, and fear.
Such a leader or ruler’s vibration emanates from the base of his consciousness, which will breed misgivings in those around him and in the people he leads or rules.
Positive or negative, our feelings spread and have an impact on the environment around us.
Consider the actions of Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Kim Jong, Idi Amin, and Saddam Hussein. What inspired their acts of violence and disregard for human life?
Could they have felt the need so strongly to be in control and superior to others if they had truly felt loved and secure in who they were?
Or were their acts upon others attempts to feel empowered and important?
As a purveyor of authentic Yoruba traditions, Alaafin Owoade is a monarch who emphasizes his own integrity, working to develop a strong ethical foundation with an understanding of godly behavior.
He has been living to please God with good character and a clean conscience.
The Titan of Yorubaland is connected to a Source greater than himself, emanates the energy of bringing people together for a greater good, walks his talk, is open to dialogue that helps understand the hearts of those he rules, and is a great listener who lives from deep self-respect that inspires others to model his self-respect.
Alaafin Owoade is slow and steady and long-lasting, promotes loving resolve and dispels fear, and isn’t power-hungry because he carries a natural inner power that models values and virtues to sustain generations to come, coupled with great wisdom and mastery of the art of sharing that wisdom with dignity and forthrightness.
Little wonder the unequaled honor accorded the Alaafin Owoade by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Aso Villa, and the Oyo Forum, both in Abuja.
To be continued…
