The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade has assured of his intervention with relevant governments for the completion of Durbar Stadium, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital annex within the State Hospital, Oyo and other development projects.
Oba Owoade said he will act appropriately to accelerate government response towards the completion of these vital projects in the ancient Oyo town.
The assurances were given when the delegation of Oyo Alaafin in Diaspora, led by United Kingdom-based medical doctor and Vice-Chairman of the organisation, Dr. Ademola Adeleke, visited Oba Owoade in his palace in Oyo on Thursday.
During the meeting, Dr. Adeleke advocated passionately for the expedited completion of the historic Durbar Stadium and the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital annex, Oyo.
Adeleke said the visit was primarily to express deep appreciation to Oba Owoade for his unwavering support to the diaspora community, and to identify with him on the occasion of his forthcoming 50th birthday which he described as a remarkable milestone in a life of purposeful leadership and royal dignity.
He noted that the Durbar Stadium is more than a sports facility but a cultural landmark, historically known as the staging ground for royal pageantry and major traditional festivals.
Dr Adeleke said rehabilitation and modernisation of the facility would reinvigorate Oyo’s tourism, youth engagement, and cultural prominence.
“The Durbar Stadium is not just an arena—it is the heartbeat of Oyo’s royal festivals and a symbol of our pride as descendants of greatness,” Adeleke emphasised.
He also reiterated the importance of completing the LAUTECH annex, which he stressed would enhance healthcare access, clinical training, and academic excellence for Oyo and the surrounding communities.
He added that, “Leadership “is not about titles, but about service and silent sacrifice. Kabiyesi has shown us all what true royal leadership means—calm in posture, firm in purpose, and rich in results.”
The delegation included Barrister (Dr.) Olubunmi Adeleke, their daughter, Ayomide, and Coordinator, Welfare and Educational Development, Pastor Tolulope Ojoawo, who is a proponent of the ‘Oyo lo kan 2027’ initiative.
Speaking after the meeting, Ojoawo noted that, “The Alaafin is ever-attentive to the yearnings of his people,” stressing that, “Kabiyesi’s quiet wisdom and decisive actions speak volumes about his love for Oyo.”
Adeleke also conveyed messages of goodwill and allegiance from the Chairperson of Oyo Alaafin in Diaspora, Princess Alhaja Bilikisu Savage, and reaffirmed the diaspora’s full support for the throne and all developmental efforts in the homeland.
They offered special prayers for Alaafin’s long life, peaceful reign, and continued wisdom, as well as for the unity and prosperity of Oyo Alaafin, Yoruba nation, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu.
