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The Palace of the Deji of Akure is currently wearing a new look, following the intervention of the Minidter of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande in its renovations.
The palace has been beautified just as its entrance has been redesigned to wear a historic outlook.
The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, whike speaking during the inauguration of the redesigned palace entrance, commended the minister for his intervention.
The monarch described the project as a significant gesture towards preserving the cultural heritage of Akure Kingdom and giving the historic palace an outlook befitting its status.
He said the intervention, undertaken by the minister with the support of the 10th Anniversary Coronation Committee, was part of ongoing efforts to renovate and beautify the palace.
The minister’s intervention, according to the monarch, would go beyond the beautification of the entrance, as it would help project the palace and its heritage to residents, visitors and younger generations.
The monarch expressed appreciation to Olawande for identifying with the traditional institution and supporting a project that had enhanced the appearance of one of the city’s important landmarks.
The monarch also urged other Akure indigenes, public officials and corporate organisations to support initiatives aimed at preserving the city’s historical and cultural assets.
He noted that preserving the palace should be regarded as a collective responsibility, particularly as urban development continues to reshape the city.
The monarch expressed hope that the beautification project would stimulate further interventions to preserve other sections of the palace and promote Akure’s cultural heritage.
He said the initiative demonstrated how individuals and public officials could contribute to their communities not only through government programmes but also by supporting projects that preserve history, culture and identity.
Speaking on why he deemed the project necessary, Olawande said his decision was informed by the historical and cultural importance of the palace to the people of Akure.
He explained that the palace was not merely the residence of the Deji but a living symbol of the history, traditions and identity of the Akure people, stressing the need for the present generation to preserve such heritage for generations yet unborn.
According to him, improving the physical appearance of the palace was a way of demonstrating respect for the traditional institution while ensuring that an important part of Akure’s history continued to receive the attention it deserved.
He said “I believe that the Deji’s Palace is not just a building; it is a symbol of who we are as Akure people. It carries our history, our culture and the story of generations before us.
“I deemed it necessary to renovate and redesign the palace because we cannot continue to talk about preserving our heritage while allowing important symbols of that heritage to deteriorate.
“This intervention is my own contribution to preserving the history of Akure for the younger generation. They must be able to see, appreciate and connect with the heritage that belongs to them.
“The redesign is not about changing the identity of the palace. It is about giving this historic institution an environment that reflects its importance while retaining its cultural character.”
The minister said he considered it important to contribute to the project because the palace had served generations of traditional rulers and remained central to the cultural life of Akure.
The palace, which has housed generations of Dejis, is recognised for its historical, architectural and cultural significance and was declared a national historical monument in 1990.