By James Ogunnaike
The ancient town of Ilaro, headquarters of Yewaland in Ogun State, was alive on Friday as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Akanni Owoade, paid a historic courtesy visit to the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, in a colourful ceremony that celebrated the shared ancestry and enduring cultural ties between the ancient kingdoms of Oyo and Yewa.
The royal visit attracted members of the Yewa Council of Obas, traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders, prominent sons and daughters of Yewaland, as well as thousands of residents who lined the streets to welcome the Alaafin and his entourage.
Held at the Oba Bi Olorun Kosi Private Palace in the Government Reservation Area (GRA), Ilaro, the reception featured colourful cultural displays by Gelede, Egungun and Isogbeto performers, underscoring the rich Yoruba cultural heritage shared by both kingdoms.
Speaking during the reception, the Alaafin described Ilaro as one of the most peaceful, hospitable and progressive communities he had visited, stressing that the people of Oyo would always regard the people of Ilaro as members of the larger Oyo family because of their common ancestry.
