Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade has been crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.
He succeeds the 45th Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who passed away on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.
The coronation event took place today (Saturday) at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo and was graced by dignitaries, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who led the state delegation.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented at the coronation by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.
Other dignitaries present included 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.
Also in attendance were the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar; Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dahud Makanjuola; Bishop Taiwo Adelakun; former MILAD General Adebayo Popoola; the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola; the Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye; and the Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Rafiu Ariwoola.
Ahead of the ceremony, the Oyo State Government ensured heightened security across Oyo town and its environs.
Oba Owoade had earlier been presented with the staff and instrument of office on January 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan. He also completed the traditional 21-day Oro Ipebi rites on March 29, 2025.
Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade hails from the Agunloye Ruling House, one of the royal lineages eligible to ascend the Alaafin throne. A respected educationist and public administrator, he holds a degree in Public Administration and has contributed to community development through youth empowerment and cultural preservation initiatives. His calm demeanor and deep-rooted knowledge of Yoruba history are widely admired.
