04/04/2026
A Grand Royal Tribute to His Imperial Majesty on the First Anniversary of His Reign
His Imperial Majesty,
Aláyélúwà,
Ipekun oba ile Yoruba
Kábíyèsí oo,
The Alaafin of Oyo,
Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I,
Ikú Bàbá Yèyé,
Aláṣẹ Ìkejì Òrìṣà,
Oba àwọn Oba,
With the deepest sense of reverence, loyalty, and cultural pride, we humbly celebrate Your Imperial Majesty on the glorious occasion of your first year upon the exalted throne of the ancient Oyo Empire.
This sacred milestone transcends the mere counting of years; it is a powerful affirmation of destiny fulfilled, of ancestral alignment, and of divine ordination. Your ascension to the throne of your forebears represents not only the continuation of a royal lineage that shaped the political and cultural identity of the Yoruba people, but also the rebirth of a throne whose influence echoes far beyond the walls of the palace.
In this first year of your reign, Your Imperial Majesty has embodied the true essence of kingship strength tempered with wisdom, authority guided by humility, and leadership rooted deeply in tradition. You have worn the crown not simply as an ornament of power, but as a sacred covenant between the past, the present, and the generations yet to come. Through your reign, the dignity of Oyo has been reaffirmed, and the pride of the Yoruba race has been rekindled with renewed vigor.
As Ikú Bàbá Yèyé, the one whose word is final, and as Aláṣẹ Ìkejì Òrìṣà, the divine authority next to the gods, your presence on the throne continues to symbolize unity, stability, and cultural supremacy. You stand as a pillar of identity for us all, a guardian of heritage, and a beacon of royal excellence whose influence resonates across Yorubaland and the global African diaspora.
Your Majesty, in just one year, your reign has begun to carve a legacy of honor, dignity, and purposeful leadership. The throne of Oyo, one of the most revered institutions in African history, stands tall under your watch firm, respected, and divinely guided.
On this historic anniversary, we offer our most profound congratulations and unwavering prayers for Your Majesty. May your reign be long and prosperous. May your wisdom deepen with each passing day. May your kingdom flourish in peace, strength, and unity. And may your name be etched in gold among the greatest to ever ascend the throne of Oyo.
Kábíyèsí o!
Kí adé pé lórí,
Kí bàtà pé l’ẹsẹ̀,
Kí ìtẹ́ kì í yí,
Kí ìjọba rẹ pé títí láé.
Long live His Imperial Majesty,
Long live the Alaafin of Oyo,
Long live the enduring glory of the Oyo Empire.