Oba Abimbola Owoade has officially been crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, succeeding the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who died on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83 after reigning for over five decades.
The coronation ceremony, held on Saturday at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, was a colourful and culturally rich affair attended by a host of dignitaries and traditional rulers.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State led the gathering, underscoring the importance of the historic event.
Prominent figures 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, among others.
In preparation for the event, the Oyo State Government implemented heightened security measures, deploying operatives to key locations in the city and its environs to ensure a hitch-free celebration.
Oba Owoade had been presented with the staff and instrument of office by Governor Makinde on Monday, January 13, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.
Following the presentation, the monarch completed the traditional 21-day Oro Ipebi rites on March 29, a key cultural requirement before assuming the throne.
Oba Owoade’s ascension marks a new chapter in the history of the Oyo Kingdom, as the ancient stool regains its full leadership after nearly three years of transition.
