THE UNTOLD HISTORY OF “AZAD” PALACE – THE PALACE OF THE OHINOYI OF EBIRALAND
In the ancient town of Okene, the heartbeat of Ebiraland in Kogi State, Nigeria, there stands a palace whose magnificence has carried the name of the Ebira people far beyond the hills and valleys of their land.
This palace, known as the Azad Palace, is celebrated as one of the most beautiful palaces in Africa. To the world, it shines as a monument of wealth, artistry, and royal authority. But to those who know its story, the palace is far more than architecture; it is a history carved in love, sorrow, memory, and legacy.
The story begins with the life of Late Prince Azad Ado-Ibrahim, the eldest son of the monarch. He was a child of promise, born into royalty and admired for his charisma and potential. His presence represented continuity, his character carried hope, and his name brought pride to the royal household.
Yet, fate was cruel. His life was cut short in the prime of his youth, leaving behind grief that touched not only his family but the entire Ebira nation. His passing created a wound too deep for time to fully heal, and his absence left silence where greatness was expected to flourish.
In his grief, Late His Royal Majesty Alhaji (Dr.) AbdulRahaman Ado-Ibrahim, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, made a decision that would preserve the memory of his son forever. He chose to name his palace after him, ensuring that the name “Azad” would never fade from history. From that moment, the palace ceased to be a mere royal residence; it became a memorial, a sanctuary of memory, and a monument of love. Every wall, every arch, and every stone carried the echo of a father’s devotion to his late son.
The palace itself is a wonder to behold. With Arabian-inspired domes rising proudly to the sky, grand arches that symbolize strength, and intricate Ebira carvings etched into its doors and walls, it is both modern and traditional.
Its glittering chandeliers, wide reception halls, and lavish courtyards have welcomed presidents, kings, and dignitaries from around the world. Yet, within this grandeur lies the quiet story of two lives the late prince whose name it bears and the late monarch whose vision and grief transformed it into a monument of eternity.
The history of Azad Palace cannot be told without the life of its builder, Late His Royal Majesty Dr. Ado Ibrahim. Before ascending the throne in 1997, he was a successful businessman, a man of learning and vision, whose leadership was defined by philanthropy, unity, and wisdom.
For nearly three decades as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, he ruled with grace and strength, guiding his people with compassion and foresight. He became a bridge between tradition and modernity, a monarch deeply respected across Nigeria for his business acumen, his generosity, and his tireless efforts to foster peace and unity among his people.
On October 29, 2023, the Ebira nation was cast into mourning as the late Ohinoyi passed away at the age of 95, after receiving treatment in Abuja. His death marked the close of a historic reign, yet it also sealed his legacy as one of the greatest custodians of Ebira heritage.
He was not only a king; he was a father to his people, a philanthropist whose hands touched many lives, and a unifier who sought to build harmony among his subjects. His reign will forever be remembered as an era of cultural pride, royal splendor, and enduring legacy.
Today, the Azad Palace stands as a dual memorial. It speaks first of Late Prince Azad Ado-Ibrahim, the son of promise whose name lives forever in stone, glass, and gold. And it speaks also of Late His Royal Majesty Dr. Ado Ibrahim, the visionary king who turned grief into beauty and built for his people a palace that tells a story of love and immortality. The palace is not only the pride of Ebiraland, but also a landmark of African heritage, admired by all who behold it.
The untold history of the Azad Palace is not simply about architecture or wealth. It is a human story—of a father’s love for his son, of a monarch’s devotion to his people, and of a nation’s ability to turn pain into legacy. It is the story of the late Ohinoyi and his late son, whose names will never be forgotten.
May the soul of Late Prince Azad Ado-Ibrahim continue to rest in peace, and may the soul of Late His Royal Majesty Dr. Ado Ibrahim, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, be remembered with honor and reverence. Their legacies remain alive in the palace that bears their name, in the people who inherit their story, and in the history of Africa that will forever cherish them.
— Prince Muhammed Otaiki