Oba Abimbola Owoade has officially been crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, succeeding the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who passed away on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.
The coronation ceremony took place on Saturday at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo and was graced by Governor Seyi Makinde, along with a host of dignitaries and prominent Nigerians.
Addressing the massive crowd, Governor Makinde stated, “On the 10th of January, 2025, I applied my signature for the recommendation of Oyo Mesi for Oba Akeem Owoade to be a new Alaafin of Oyo. And on the 13th of January, 2025, I presented a certificate of office to our Kabiyesi. I have done my work since, but today, I officially present to the entire world, the Alaafin of Oyo. Those who said they have not been told or heard or who are running up and down should come around and see the new Alaafin of Oyo.”
In his acceptance speech, Oba Owoade expressed his gratitude to the people for their steadfast support, saying, “I promise to always be for you just as you have always been for me.”
The coronation was attended by several royal and cultural figures, including the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, among others.
Oba Owoade received the staff and instrument of office from Governor Makinde on January 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan. He completed the mandatory 21-day traditional Oro Ipebi rites on March 29, marking the final step in his ascension to the throne.
