The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has called for stronger collaboration between Yoruba communities in Nigeria and the diaspora to preserve their cultural heritage and drive development in their ancestral homeland.

The monarch made the call during his visit to Melbourne, Australia, where he joined his Queen Consort, Ayaba Abiwunmi Olajumoke, as the lead guest at the 30th anniversary of the Yoruba Heritage and Cultural Association Victoria.

Owoade said closer ties between Yoruba people at home and abroad were necessary to harness the contributions of the diaspora to the development of their ancestral communities.

He urged members of the diaspora to view themselves as partners in development and focus on practical contributions that could improve conditions in their homeland.

The Alaafin also stressed the need for greater efforts to preserve Yoruba culture among younger generations, particularly those growing up outside Nigeria and exposed to different cultural influences.

He said the diaspora could play a significant role in strengthening cultural consciousness and encouraging the preservation of indigenous Yoruba traditions and beliefs.

According to the monarch, Yoruba civilisation had remained resilient despite years of external influence and continued to attract international academic and cultural interest.

He said the traditional institution would remain committed to protecting Yoruba interests and promoting the cultural and intellectual heritage of the people wherever they reside.

Owoade also used the occasion to explain his vision for the proposed Oyo Empire Day, an annual celebration intended to honour the history, heritage, people and enduring legacy of the old Oyo Empire.

He described the initiative as a platform for reconnecting people of Oyo ancestry across different communities, states and countries while promoting cultural education, tourism and a sense of shared heritage.

The Alaafin explained that the decision to use the name Oyo Empire Day was deliberate, noting that the historical influence of the old Oyo Empire extended beyond present-day Oyo town and Oyo State.

He identified communities in Kwara, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos and Kogi states, as well as parts of the Republic of Benin and the wider diaspora, as areas with historical links to the old empire.

Owoade clarified that the proposed celebration was not intended to undermine the identities of those communities or place them under Oyo Atiba, but to acknowledge and celebrate their historical connections to the Oyo Empire.

He said the Alaafin institution would serve as a link between the historical empire and younger generations seeking to understand, preserve and pass on their ancestral heritage.

The monarch’s arrival in Melbourne was marked by a reception from members of the Yoruba community, who welcomed him in traditional attire, including aso-oke, and performed customary greetings.