President Bola Tinubu held a crucial meeting with the newly-installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, at the Presidential Villa on Friday, marking their first official engagement since the monarch’s coronation three months ago. The 45-year-old traditional ruler, who ascended the throne on April 12, 2025, arrived shortly after Juma’at prayers and was immediately ushered into private discussions with the President, following Tinubu’s security briefing with top defense officials.
The high-profile meeting, which lasted nearly two hours, focused on pressing national and regional issues including:
✔ Security challenges in Southwest Nigeria
✔ Preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage
✔ Development initiatives for Oyo Kingdom
Presidential aides confirmed the discussions were “productive and far-reaching,” with both leaders agreeing to establish regular consultation channels between the presidency and the ancient Yoruba throne.
Key Meeting Details
- Timing: Followed President’s security briefing with service chiefs
- Delegation: Alaafin accompanied by senior Oyo traditional chiefs
- Historical Significance: First Alaafin-Tinubu meeting since coronation
Why This Matters
► Strengthens crucial Southwest political alliance
► Enhances security collaboration in volatile region
► Boosts cultural preservation efforts
Expected Outcomes
- Quarterly presidential-royal consultations
- Special security package for Oyo State
- Federal support for Oyo cultural projects
