It was moment of excitement and jubilation galore at the ongoing Annual Conference in session of the Oyo West Baptist Conference as thousands of delegates, including Ministers of God and other invited guests ventilated their joy and happiness for the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, and his Queen Consort, Ayaba Abiwunmi.
The moment the delegates sited the convoy of the Alaafin, they trooped out with their expression of happiness and support for the Paramount Ruler , with the chorus of “” Iku Baba Yeye, Olori Oba Ile Yorubaland “” which rendered the air from when he alighted from his exotic car with his wife till they both moved up to where their seats were reserved.
Oba Owoade was the Guest of Honour at the colourful occasion held at the hall of the hall of the Baptist Conference under construction, which was located at Elekara area of Oyo town .
Just like the Ministers of God, the Chairman of the Oyo West Baptist Conference , Reverend Dr. Olawale Babalola too, and indigene of Oyo town , could not hide his happiness as he openly referred to Oba Owoade as “” the Alaafin of Yorubaland”.
The scenario at the Oyo West Baptist Conference session vividly portrayed Alaafin Owoade as a trustworthy Monarch loved by his people.
In his address. Oba Owoade enjoined religious leaders to co-exist peacefully in the interest of national unity.
According to him, ““leaders of the three religions must resolve to live together and protect one another at all times in order to build a peaceful country. Their preachers should begin to preach and change the psyche of their members against violence.’’
“” Peace is sacred and divine, as the three religions have similar teachings.The three religions must be seriously concerned about the future of this great country. This is because Nigeria is not only the pride of Africa, but also the leader of the continent with limitless potentialities.’’
Alaafin noted that peace remained the recipe for sustainable development of the country and urged Nigerians to unite toward achieving peace and unity.
Oba Owoade who started his address with the rendition of a popular Christian song elicited thunderous ovation from the elated delegates, who also joined the Royal Father to sing the song.
Another thing that attracted the over 30,000 delegates at the Conference was the humility exhibited by the Alaafin.
When asked for his address, rather remain seated and address the gatherings, Oba Owoade stood up and walked to the podium amid ovation.
The Titan of Yorubaland lauded the commitment and continued support of the Conference since he ascended the throne of his forefathers and for the good and progress of Oyo metropolis.
He commended the Conference Chairman, Reverend Dr. Gabriel Kehinde, who he described as “a reliable son, honest, devoted and an upright person whose divine calling has brought positive dividends to Oyo and it’s environs”‘.
Highlight of the event was the induction of Ayaba Owoade as the Patron of the Baptist Women Missionary Union and the presentation of both the Alaafin and his wife with local fabrics .
In her short address, Ayaba Owoade who thanked the Conference Women for their sense of commitment to womanhood in the society , pledged the support of the Alaafin to the Union.
