Oba Abimbola Owoade has been formally crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, in southwestern Nigeria, succeeding the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who passed away on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.
The coronation ceremony, held on Saturday at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, drew an array of distinguished guests, including Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who led the official proceedings.
Hearty congratulations to His Imperial Majesty, Ikú Bàbá Yèyé, Ọba, Abímbọ́lá Akeem Ọ̀wọ̀adé I, on his coronation as the 46th Aláàfin of Ọ̀yọ́. May Ọ̀yọ́ Ilẹ̀ experience unrivalled development, peace and tranquillity during Kabiyesi’s reign. pic.twitter.com/83fjb5GTsz
— Seyi Makinde (@seyiamakinde) April 5, 2025
Among the prominent traditional rulers in attendance were the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan 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.
Oba Owoade had earlier been presented with the staff and instruments of office on Monday, 13 January 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State. His ascension marks the beginning of a new era in the historical Alaafin dynasty, following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Adeyemi, who reigned for over five decades.
The newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has completed the mandatory 21-day traditional rites known as Oro Ipebi, marking a crucial step in his ascension to the throne. The rites concluded on Saturday, 29 March 2025.
Oba Owoade was earlier presented with the staff and instrument of office on Monday, 13 January 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. He succeeds the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who passed away on 22 April 2022 after a reign of over 50 years.
The completion of the traditional rites signifies the official commencement of Oba Owoade’s reign as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, ushering in a new era for the historic Yoruba kingdom.
Speaking after his coronation, Oba Owoade thanked the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu; Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; the Oyo Mesi; and everyone who attended or watched the event for believing in him.
“I want to take this moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone. Your unwavering support, encouragement and belief in me have been the driving force behind my confidence,” he said.
Speaking further, Oba Owoade urged unity amongst all Nigerians, stressing its importance in overcoming challenges and fostering progress in diversity.
He said, “Modern-day success stories demonstrate the importance of a community working together as one cohesive entity. It fosters a sense of belonging to overcome challenges and ultimately paves the way for progress and growth.
“Community consists of diverse individuals, each with different cultures and perspectives; harnessing the diversity is essential for fostering innovation, creativity and problem-solving. When individuals work together collectively to bring together a wealth of knowledge that multiplies the collective intelligence of the community, progress is achieved.“
The new Alaafin ‘s coronation marked the beginning of a new era, not just for the monarch himself and his family but for the sons and daughters of Oyo and the entire Yoruba race as a people.
Comments are closed.