Alaafin of Oyo celebrates 50th birthday with development projects, sports fiesta
Oyo Town was filled with excitement on Thursday as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, marked his 50th birthday with a blend of community development initiatives and vibrant sporting events that united residents in celebration.
Among the highlights of the festivities was a novelty table tennis match between the monarch and his longtime friend, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, a federal lawmaker representing Afijio/Oyo East/Oyo West/Atiba Federal Constituency. The friendly game, held at Durban Stadium, drew large crowds who cheered the duo in a display of camaraderie and sportsmanship.
Beyond the sporting spectacle, the celebration featured the commissioning of several impactful projects aimed at improving the quality of life across the region. Key among them were:
33kVA Transformer at Oke Apo: Donated, installed, and energized by Rt. Hon. Prince Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi (Skimeh), the transformer is expected to serve over 21 communities in Oyo East Local Government Area, significantly boosting electricity supply.
Agro-Rangers Staff Quarters: A newly constructed residential facility for Agro-Rangers operatives to enhance security in the Oyo Zone. The project was financed by the four local governments in Oyo in partnership with Sheikh Imam Dahud Igi Ogun.
Solar-Powered Borehole at Agure: Donated by Hon. Rahaman Olorunpoto, a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, the project provides clean and sustainable water to the Agure community.
The celebrations also featured an array of sporting events, including football finals of a community-wide tournament co-sponsored by Hon. Adeyemi, table tennis competitions across various age categories supported by Prince Adeniran, the Statistician-General of the Federation, and boxing matches that thrilled residents.
Chairman of the House Committee on the South West Development Commission, Hon. Adeyemi, described the Alaafin as a visionary leader committed to the progress of Oyo.
“May Kabiyesi Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I live to celebrate many more years of fulfillment, sound health, and immense prosperity,” he said.
The week-long birthday celebration underscored Oba Owoade’s dedication to grassroots development, youth empowerment, and fostering unity through sports.
