The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has begun mobilising Yoruba communities in the Republic of Benin ahead of the maiden Oyo Empire Day celebration scheduled for December 2026.

As part of the preparations, the monarch dispatched Prince Sheriff Adebayo-Onisile, a Yoruba historian, on a three-day mission to the neighbouring country for consultations, cultural diplomacy, reconciliation and mobilisation. The initiative is aimed at strengthening historical and cultural ties between the old Oyo Empire and Yoruba communities in present-day Benin.

During the visit, Onisile met traditional rulers, Yoruba elders, politicians, socio-cultural leaders and traders in Porto-Novo. Discussions focused on Yoruba unity, preservation of cultural heritage, the historical relationship between Dahomey and the old Oyo Empire, as well as preparations for the Alaafin’s proposed visit to the Republic of Benin and the Oyo Empire Day celebration.

The envoy also met Chief Clement Kouchade, Minister for Secondary Education and Bashorun of Pobeland in Plateau Province, at the Federal Secretariat in Cotonou. The discussions centred on Oyo heritage, the historical links between Yoruba communities and the old Oyo Empire, and the importance of peaceful coexistence among Yoruba communities in the country.

Onisile further held discussions with the leadership of Ẹgbẹ Isokan Ọmọ Yoruba in the Republic of Benin, alongside representatives of the Agboluaje and Oníkòyí families. He delivered the Alaafin’s message of peace and unity, while the group pledged to support efforts to reconcile factions within the Yoruba community and resolve differences amicably.

The Alaafin’s representative also visited Ayogo-Ile, an ancient settlement said to have historical links with Oyo-Ile. Traditional accounts presented during the visit linked the community’s origins to Ona-Efa, described as an emissary of the Alaafin who settled there with his family to collect tribute on behalf of the Oyo monarch centuries ago.

The Alaafin’s media office said the mission was part of broader efforts to strengthen relationships between the Alaafin’s Palace, Yoruba traditional institutions and communities across the Republic of Benin. The Oyo Empire Day, which is being developed as an annual cultural event, is intended to reconnect people of Oyo ancestry with their history, heritage and legacy.