Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, has commended the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, for his intervention in the beautification of the palace and redesign of its entrance.
The monarch gave the commendation during the inauguration of the exercise, describing the project as a significant gesture towards preserving the cultural heritage of Akure Kingdom.
According to him, the intervention, undertaken by the minister with the support of the 10th anniversary coronation committee, forms part of ongoing efforts to renovate and beautify the historic palace.
Oba Aladelusi said the project will help project the palace and its heritage to residents, visitors and younger generations, urging other indigenes, public officials and corporate organisations to support similar initiatives.
He stressed that preserving the palace was a collective responsibility, particularly as urban development continues to reshape the city, and expressed hope that the project will attract further interventions.
Speaking on the initiative, Olawande said his decision was informed by the historical and cultural importance of the palace to the people of Akure.
He described the palace as more than the residence of the Deji, as it remains a living symbol of the history, traditions and identity of the Akure people.
Olawande said the renovation was intended to demonstrate respect for the traditional institution and preserve the heritage for younger generations, adding that the redesign would retain the palace’s cultural character.
He noted that the palace had served generations of traditional rulers and remained central to the cultural life of Akure, making its preservation important to the community.
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.