Alaafin in Igbo-Ora, Stresses on confounding power of cultures, significance of twins in Yorubaland

By

Bode Durojaiye

Yesterday's road-trip led dignatories and people from all walks of life to Igbo-Ora, a small town in Oyo State reputed for having a large occurrence of twin births.

Only two other towns in the world share this phenomenon - Kodinhi, India and Candido, Brazil, but Igbo-Ora has the largest population.

Igbo-Ora, is famously known as the “Twin Capital of the World.”

It is believed that one in every four births in this community results in twins. This rate is incredibly high, considering that the global average is estimated at one in every 80 births.

The phenomenon of twinning in Igbo-Ora has been a topic of interest for decades, and researchers have been studying the town to try and unravel the mystery behind it. While there is no conclusive evidence to explain the high rate of twin births in the community, many theories have been put forward.

The people of Igbo-Ora have a deep cultural appreciation for twins, and they are viewed as a symbol of good fortune and a source of pride in the community. Twins are often referred to as “Ibeji,” which means “double birth.” The town celebrates Twins Festival annually, which attracts people from all over the world who have an interest in twinning.

Apart from the fascination with twins, Igbo-Ora is also a beautiful town with a rich cultural heritage. The community is known for its skilled craftsmen who create exquisite wooden carvings that are sold all over Nigeria and beyond. The town is also home to the popular Oke-Mosan Hill, which provides a panoramic view of the town and its surroundings.

Igbo-Ora is a unique town in Nigeria that has gained worldwide attention due to its high rate of twin births. While the mystery behind this phenomenon remains unsolved, the town continues to celebrate and cherish its twins, who are viewed as a blessing to the community.

Against this background and in its annual practise, the Oyo State Government , through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ibarapa Central Local Government and in conjunction with TWC Intercontinental today celebrated 2025 World Twins Festival in Igbo- Ora town.

The theme of this year's celebration is " Twinning For Youth Re-orientation And Empowerment ".

The festival which attracted hundreds of twins and their families, also featured traditional music, dances, and rituals to honour the twins and seek blessings from Ibeji.

Symbolically, a mother of twins presented her children to both the Alaafin and Ayaba , after which His Imperial Majesty carried the twins before they were returned to their mother amid admiration from the crowd.

The well attended event was colourful, as the Alaafin and his entourage were warmly received by traditional rulers from Ibarapa area of the State amid drumming and panegyrics with thunderous shouts of "" Iku Baba Yeye"" from the surging crowd.

In his address, the Alaafin of Oyo , His Imperial Majesty, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, said Yoruba people are blessed with diverse cultural systems that are distinctly unique in their operations.

According to him, ""from their language to marriage, to birth or naming

ceremony, to leadership, and most significantly their songs, chants

and folks are deeply rooted in all the Yoruba cultural systems .

""For instance, there are praise poetries and songs for children of various

birth circumstances such as Ibeji (twins). The popular question is expressed with astonishment when one sees two humans who look very similar, especially of the same sex, possibly even wearing identical clothing. Yet, as fascinating as it is, twin births are not as rare as you probably think; one in every twelve Nigerian is a twin"".

Alaafin' who was accompanied by his pretty and charming Queen Consort, Ayaba Abiwunmi, stated that twins hold a unique and revered position in Yoruba culture.

By Bode Durojaiye, 

Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and the Superior Head of Yorubaland

PRESS RELEASE : Killings in Ilorin — Alaafin takes proactive steps to fish out perpetrators, checkmate criminal onslaughts

The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, ,has called on Nigerians to stand together against blood guzzlers and enemies of state, nature, and sound reasoning, who take solace in mindless killings of innocent souls.

This, he said would reinforce collective will, to completely snatch the country and destiny from the jaws of insanity and barbarism, just as socio-cultural orientations that uphold the sanctity of life and the intrinsic dignity in the human person must never be surrendered to the ungodly.

Oba Owoade gave the admonition on the heels of recent killings of some people who were  of Yoruba' extraction by those suspected as Fulani herdsmen at Oke Ode  area in Kwara State.

Disturbed about this ugly development , and putting into consideration the fact that Yorubas and Fulanis had  for decades been living harmoniously without let or hindrance,  Alaafin had  contacted the Kwara State Governor,  AbdulRahman  AbdulRasaq on the incident and how best he could come in , in order to nip in the bud the criminal onslaught by the bandits.

The Governor in his response lauded the Alaafin for his concerned , visionary style of administration and as the Titan of Yorubaland , assured the Paramount Ruler that a battalion of soldiers had been deployed to the scene of the gory incident .

The  Alaafin who lamented about the mindless killings masterminded by suspected Fulani herdsmen  wondered why the herdsmen became threats to peace and security, adding they had for long been in existence without serious criminal records as is presently the case.

Oba Owoade enjoined the Federal Government to ensure that all those found culpable in the mindless killings in Kwara State are brought to justice and to serve as a credible deterrence.

According to the Alaafin, ‘’there can be no national development without relative peace and stability.  There have been greater challenges of security in recent times than at any point in time in our history, thus rendering our political stability fragile, democratic institutions and processes fluid,

"" Government, political leaders and followers, and all of us, must have the courage and honesty to get to the root causes of our current state of insecurity, underpinned by criminality, insurgency and of recent terrorism by herdsmen’’.

He went further,  "’Our leaders and followers should not take  the issue of security for granted, but to ensure urgent and immediate steps  are taken to consciously respond to current threats by architectonic designing and building a security system which would create a stable and relatively peaceful environment, conducive for national development. We must accept the reality that while it is necessary to create unity in diversity, we must identify and respect our differences, which is diversity in unity"".

While eulogizing security agencies for their steadfastness and commitment to duties, Alaafin who warned against acts that are detrimental to peace, orderliness and unity of the country, assured all ethnic groups living in the metropolis of adequate protection of lives and properties.

‘’Before now, Oyo Empire under the reign of Alaafin not only remained the first to provide cattle ranches for Fulani herdsmen in Yoruba land, another ten acres of land were made available for convenience of the herdsmen free of charge, in order to ensure harmonious relationship and peaceful co-existence among all ethnic groups residing in the metropolis’’.

Oba  Owoade added, ‘’whenever there are skirmishes between farmers and the hersmen, the Royal Father would adopt his age-long conflict resolution mechanisms, which provides opportunity to interact with the parties concerned, promotes consensus-building, social bridge reconstructions and enactment of order in the  Empire"".

                            

Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and the Superior Head of Yorubaland

OLUBADAN CORONATION: HONOURS, ENCOMIUMS FOR ALAAFIN IN IBADAN, AS RESIDENTS THUNDEROUSLY ROARED, " IKU BABA YEYE, AUTHENTIC HEAD OF YORUBALAND"

It was honours and encomiums galore for the Titan of Yorubaland, His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin and Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, today  in Ibadan ,Oyo State Capital ,  as elated residents could not hold back their support and love for the Paramount Ruler.

Alaafin' was in the State capital door the coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Adewolu  Ladoja.

The happy - looking residents, including the praise chanters,  on sighting the motorcade of the Alaafin moved closer and continuously roared "" Iku Baba  Yeye, Olori gbogbo Oba Ile Yoruba'", amid panegyric by the praise chanters. 

Alaafin & Olugbo

Findings revealed that the residents , both young and old have been closely monitoring the activities of Oba Owoade since ascended the throne of his forefathers and we're of the conviction that the Alaafin  has truly 

established a successful brand as ""a Builder of strong bridges of

understanding and brotherhood, not only aiming traditional rulers in Yorubaland,  but across the country.

Another testimony to Alaafin's  legacy, according to some residents was that the

quintessential Monarch has consistently used his exalted position to

send to Nigerians, irrespective of religious, or ethnic backgrounds that with him, leadership of oneness and true friendship with others remain his fulcrum.

Alaafin & Sultan 

" The  hard earned reputation of  this detribalised Monarch, the Alaafin,  as an

inspirational, strong and visionary leader; a relentless bridge builder and a missionary for hope and his constant message of peace, love and harmony have endeared him to the hearts of many Nigerians. That is what we are telling the world today"", some of the residents confided .

Others spoke about Oba Owoade's stylish in appearance, saying  "" he is an handsome man with grace and elegance".

"" Honestly, he is Royal Father who is  pleasingly ingenious and simple. His natural elegance and complement always amaze us. Who will see him ( Alaafin) and not admire, love or envy him"", they asserted.

 Bode Durojaiye, 

Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and the Superior Head of Yorubaland.

#PHOTOS: Mexican , Brazilian nationals Visit Alaafin Oyo, paid homages

Mexican and Brazilian nationals visit Alaafin of Oyo. They paid homage to Iku Baba Yeye in His Palace.

Alaafin still remains the head of the historical Yoruba Empire  otherwise known as Oyo Empire. 

OPINION: Sir Dele Abiola Led Interim, A Right Direction for Oyo State Obidient Movement

 *Congratulations to Hon. Dele Abiola and the entire Obidient team*

History often unfolds at the intersection of contrasting motives: where people of goodwill Labour tirelessly for the betterment of their communities, others, driven solely by pecuniary gains and personal ambition, chart a different course. This enduring truth finds resonance in our struggle today.

Hon. Dele Abiola embodies the spirit of the former. He toiled with unwavering dedication, pressing forward even when victory seemed distant and the path fraught with uncertainties. His relentless commitment stands as a testament to genuine service. .

We firmly believe this moment marks the dawn of greater success the foundation of a well structured, reliable, and fiercely loyal Obidient Movement is now laid in Oyo State. We recognize the battle ahead is not for the faint hearted. Yet, we stand strong, fortified by an unbreakable coalition of steadfast Oyo State patriots, united by the unwavering conviction that "A New Nigeria is Possible!"

The Obidient movement has constructed an enduring and unshakeable foundation. No intimidation, however fierce, can undermine its solidity. It stands resolute. To those self proclaimed leaders whose actions betray the very cause they pretend to serve know this: if you persist in your attempts to sabotage the Obidient movement, deluding yourselves into thinking you can replicate the betrayals of the past, you embark on nothing short of a futile and doomed endeavor. Your efforts are destined to fail.

Hon. Dele Abiola has earned profound respect through his principled work and will continue to do so. Likewise, *Babafemi, Aderoju, and Mayowa and many others working tirelessly With them deserve immense credit. They have been instrumental in shaping the Obidient movement and restoring its noble image through their integrity and tireless efforts. These are individuals of unquestionable character, and we pray God continues to bless and strengthen them.

The time for ambiguity is over. Within the Obidient movement, there is no middle ground. Either you stand with us, contributing your honest Labour to our shared vision, or you stand against us. This vehicle of change is already in motion, advancing steadily towards its destination. To those who choose otherwise: step aside. Your obstruction is futile." Thank you

*©Dear LordMayor(Mayowa)*

#PHOTOSPEAKS: FORUM IN ABUJA ORGANISED GRAND RECEPTION/DINNER IN HONOUR OF HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY ALAAFIN AKEEM ABIMBOLA OWOADE 1

 THE OYO FORUM IN FCT ABUJA ORGANISED A GRAND RECEPTION/DINNER IN HONOUR OF HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY 

OBA AKEEM ABIMBOLA OWOADE 1, THE ALAAFIN OF OYO 

16TH May, 2025

CONTINENTAL HOTEL, ABUJA.

THE TITAN OF YORÚBÀLAND- ALAAFIN ABIMBOLA AKEEM OWOADE I

By Bode Durojaiye 

Alaafin Akeem Abimbola Owoade 1 : The Titan of Yorubaland with natural inner power that models values and virtues to sustain generations to come (1)

Alaafin Oeoade I

The Alaafin sits on a throne whose pedigree had been widely acclaimed as the exemplar of the delicate and elaborate mechanism of constitutionally guaranteed system of checks and balance.  

But equally stands out as the best political edifice ever constructed by an African state; ancient or modern.

‘’Oyo Empire was in possession of all the land. Oyo was very fast in expansion and became one of the earliest states with a central authority system. This makes Oyo, probably the greatest of the forest states in West Africa. 

At the highest of its existence, having fully developed a sophisticated internal system of government, Oyo dominated all other Yoruba kingdoms namely; Ife, Ekiti, Ijesa, Egba, Ijebu, Ondo,Sabe and Owu. It stretched into Dahomey, Togo and parts of the Ashanti in Ghana. 

This achievement marked a new phase in the history of the Yoruba; for it witnessed the effective transfer of power from Ile-ife to Oyo which became the Centre of a new powerful empire with far flung cultural, political and linguistic influences.. 

Oyo soon became the seat of government of the Yoruba people.

 Interestingly, the new identity of Oyo was diffused to all parts of Yoruba land with overwhelming adoption.

However, since ascension to the throne of his forefathers , His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye , the Alaafin of Oyo , Oba Engineer Akeem Abimbola Owoade 1, has been ruling by peaceful means, and not with force and control.

When a leader is not conflicted inside and has truly experienced pure, unconditional love, then he will be at peace. 

Alaafin Owoade do not need any affirmation from the outside, nor will criticism affect him. The Paramount Ruler is in an inner state of peace, which is inner power.

This is contrary to someone who has not felt loved, secured or cared for, and steps into a position of power, such a person tends to lead from a place of control, insecurity, and fear.

 Such a leader or ruler's vibration emanates from the base of his consciousness which will breed misgivings in those around him and in the people he leads or rules .

 Positive or negative, our feelings spread and have an impact on the environment around us.

Consider the actions of Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Kim Jong, Idi Amin, Saddam Hussein. What inspired their acts of violence and disregard for human life?

 Could they have felt the need so strongly to be in control and superior to others if they had truly felt loved and secure in who they were?

 Or were the acts upon others their attempts to feel empowered and important?

As a Purveyor of authentic Yoruba traditions, Alaafin Owoade is a Monarch who puts emphasis on his own integrity, works to develop a strong ethical foundation with an understanding of Godly behaviour.

 He has been living to please God with a good character and a clean conscience. 

The Titan of Yorubaland is connected to a Source greater than himself, emanates the energy of bringing people together for a greater good, walks his talk, open to dialogue that can help to understand the hearts of those he rules, a great listener

who lives from a deep self-respect that inspires others to model his self-respect.

Alaafin Owoade is slow and steady and long lasting, promotes loving resolve and dispels fear, isn’t power hungry because he carries a natural inner power that models values and virtues to sustain generations to come, coupled with

great wisdom and mastering the art of sharing that wisdom with dignity and forthrightness.

Little wonder the unequaled honour accorded the Alaafin Owoade by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the State House , Aso Villa and the Oyo Forum both in Abuja. 

To be continued ........

Bode Durojaiye , the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo. 

Alaafin in pictures:

Call for a review of Oyo State Youth Award: I was unfairly overlooked, award given to my closest contender — Abiodun Adediran

 

Dear Editor, Hot News Naija,

I'm Abiodun Adediran from Ogbomoso. I'm writing to highlight concerns regarding the Oyo State Youth Award, a subsection of the Oyo State Youth Summit 2025, powered by the Ministry of Youths and Sport under Hon. Wasilat Adegoke's leadership.

Despite garnering 1,509 votes (36%) in the Governance category, I was unfairly overlooked, and the award was given to my closest contender with 1,138 votes (27%) without justification.

I respectfully request that you consider publishing this matter to:

1. Expose irregularities in the award process

2. Advocate for a review of the decision

3. Support young people's rights to participate in governance and leadership

This issue affects not just me, but the broader Oyo State youth community, who deserve fair representation.

Thank you for considering my request.

Attached is the final result as at when the voting ends on the 18th of April 2025.

Sincerely,

Abiodun Adediran