Oyo town witnessed a historic moment on Saturday as Oba Abimbola Owoade was officially crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, succeeding the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who passed away on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.
The coronation ceremony was held at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, drawing an array of eminent personalities from across the country.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State led the procession of dignitaries, which included revered traditional rulers such as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, among others.
Prior to the public coronation, Oba Owoade had been formally presented with the staff and instrument of office on January 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, marking the beginning of his reign.
He also successfully completed the traditional 21-day Oro Ipebi rites on March 29, a vital cultural requirement for ascending the ancient throne.
Oba Owoade now begins his journey as the custodian of the Oyo Empire’s rich cultural heritage, stepping into the legacy of his predecessor who ruled for over five decades.
More to come….
