Oyo, Nigeria – April 6, 2025 – In a momentous occasion steeped in tradition and royal grandeur, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade was officially crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, succeeding the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who passed away in April 2022 at age of 82. The historic coronation ceremony took place at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo on Saturday, drawing dignitaries, traditional rulers, and well-wishers from across the country.
The event followed Oba Owoade’s completion of the compulsory 21-day Oro Ipebi traditional rites on March 29, marking the final spiritual preparation before assuming the throne. The Alaafin was earlier presented with the staff and instrument of office on January 13, 2025, by Governor Seyi Makinde at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.
Among the eminent personalities in attendance were 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. Their presence underscored the unity and cultural significance of the Alaafin’s installation.
Governor Makinde praised the new monarch’s pedigree and expressed confidence in his ability to lead Oyo into a new era of progress. “There is no more crisis within the Oyo Mesi,” the governor assured, addressing speculations surrounding the selection process. “It is natural for various interests to emerge when a new king is to be chosen, but in the end, one emerges, and the process is concluded in peace.”
To ensure a peaceful and secure event, the Oyo State Government deployed heavy security across strategic locations in Oyo and its environs, facilitating a smooth coronation celebration.
Oba Abimbola Owoade’s Profile
Born on July 17, 1975, Oba Owoade hails from the prestigious Owoade-Agunloye royal lineage, tracing his ancestry to Alaafin Lawani Agogoja of the Agunloye ruling house. He completed his secondary education at Baptist High School, Saki, in 1992 and later pursued Mechanical Engineering at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, and The Polytechnic, Ibadan, earning both a National and Higher National Diploma.
His academic journey continued overseas, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Sunderland in 2008 and a Master of Science from Northumbria University in 2012.
Professionally, Oba Owoade brings a wealth of experience from both Nigerian and international institutions. He served with the Nigeria Gas Company during his NYSC, had a brief stint at Oceanic Bank Plc, and held a key role as project coordinator at Manitoba Hydro in Winnipeg, Canada.
As the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Owoade is stepping into a revered position with centuries of tradition and influence. With his blend of modern education, royal heritage, and professional experience, expectations are high that he will preserve the cultural legacy of the Oyo Empire while steering it toward innovation and development.
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