His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, will be crowned as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo tomorrow, April 5, in a historic ceremony in the ancient city of Oyo.
Born 47 years ago into the prominent and royal Owoade-Agunloye family in Oyo Town, Oba Owoade is the son of Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade of Agure Compound in the ancient town. His educational journey began at Baptist High School, Saki, where he completed his secondary education.
Oba Owoade’s father worked with the Oyo North Agricultural Development Programme, contributing to the Oke-Ogun Community’s agricultural growth. The new Alaafin pursued higher education in engineering, studying Mechanical Engineering at the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State, where he obtained his National Diploma from 1994 to 1997. He later completed his Higher National Diploma at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, from 1999 to 2001.
In 2002, he undertook his National Youth Service Corps program with Nigeria Gas Company as a Mechanical Intern/Planner. He later worked with Oceanic Bank International Plc in Warri as a cashier from 2003 to 2004. His academic achievements continued as he attended the University of Sunderland in 2008 and Northumbria University in 2012, where he earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering.
Oba Owoade also became certified in Project Management in June 2015. He held a Planning Engineering position at Oil Reach Company in Glasgow, United Kingdom, before relocating to Canada. Prior to his ascension to the throne, Oba Owoade served as the Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, one of Canada’s largest electric power and natural gas utility providers.
Alaafin Owoade is also a Nigerian and Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and president of Manitoba Limited, with interests in real estate investment and financial services in Manitoba, Canada.
In a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo, Bode Durojaiye, it was revealed that preparations for the coronation are in full swing. Township roads are being rehabilitated to accommodate the influx of guests, and special canopies are being erected at Olivet Baptist High School, the venue of the ceremony. Security arrangements are being carefully planned, and market closures, including Akesan Market, are in place for the event.
Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I urged the people of Oyo to celebrate the event with moderation, avoiding actions driven by vendetta, persecution, or acrimony. He emphasized that “promoting peace and communal unity is a collective responsibility of every indigene of the ancient town.”
He added, “Peace and unity are important tools for community development, as peace is a fundamental asset to building personal growth, community development, and robust institutions. Peace creates an enabling environment for human capital formation and infrastructural development.”
The Alaafin further stated, “The time to build a robust, sustainable, and formidable communal unity is NOW. As individuals, let us promote peace within our town and environs by encouraging good relationships.”
