Oyo State Governor ,Seyi Makinde officially presented the Staff and certificate of office to Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade, the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, in a brief ceremony held on January 13, 2025, at the state government house in Agodi, Ibadan.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo-Lawal, former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, high-ranking chiefs from Oyo Town, religious leaders, and the esteemed Ifa Custodian, Prof. Wande Abimbola, who conducted the Ifa divination for the selection of the new Alaafin.
Governor Makinde, in his address, underscored the role of the Alaafin as a pivotal figure in preserving the cultural and historical heritage of the Oyo Kingdom. He expressed his belief in Oba Owoade’s capability to lead with wisdom and foster unity and development within the kingdom.
Prince Owoade succeeded the late Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, who ruled for five decades. In his acceptance speech, Oba Owoade expressed gratitude to the people of Oyo and pledged to prioritize the development of the kingdom, with a focus on cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and economic growth.
The ascension of Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade is expected to herald a new era of leadership, blending the kingdom’s rich traditions with contemporary governance to address modern challenges.
