His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, will officially be crowned as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo today, April 5, in the ancient city of Oyo.
In a grand ceremony featuring dignitaries, traditional rulers, and thousands of citizens, the coronation will mark the culmination of a rigorous selection process and the beginning of a new era for the Oyo Kingdom.
Oba Owoade, aged 49, hails from the royal Owoade-Agunloye family of the Agure Compound in Oyo Town. Born in 1975 to Rasaki Ibiyosi Owoade, he is a paternal great-grandson of Alaafin Lawani Agogoja through his grandfather, Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade, making him a direct descendant of Alaafin Atiba.
His educational journey includes studies in Mechanical Engineering at the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro and The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
He furthered his education abroad, earning degrees from the University of Sunderland and Northumbria University in the United Kingdom. Professionally, Oba Owoade has amassed experience in engineering and project management, notably serving as Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro in Canada.
The journey to Oba Owoade’s coronation was marked by intense competition and disputes. Following the demise of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi in 2022, the Alaafin stool became vacant, leading to a keenly contested selection process.
The Oyo Mesi, the traditional kingmakers, played a pivotal role in the selection, which saw numerous princes vying for the esteemed position.
The process was not without contention; nine royal families from the Atiba ruling house rejected Oba Owoade’s appointment, alleging procedural irregularities and lack of due process. They expressed concerns over the selection’s transparency and called for adherence to traditional norms.
According to Vanguard, in response to these disputes, High Chief Lamidi Oyewale, a prominent member of the Oyo Mesi, addressed the situation during the coronation ceremony at Olivet High School, Oyo.
He likened the contest for the Alaafin throne to an election where clashes of interest are common but emphasized that unity prevails once a decision is made.
“There is no more crisis within Oyo Mesi. Whenever a new king is to be installed, there are various interests, and it’s one among them who will be chosen. The moment Alaafin had been selected, all members of the council will come together,” he stated.
The coronation festivities have commenced with the arrival of dignitaries in Oyo Town, where the mandatory traditional rites began, including the 21-day ‘Oro Ipebi.’ These rites are essential in legitimizing his ascension and connecting him with the ancestral lineage of the Alaafin.
The ceremony will witness the presence of numerous traditional rulers, government officials, and well-wishers from across the nation, underscoring the significance of the event.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, played a crucial role in the coronation process. He had officially presented Oba Owoade with the staff of office and instruments of office in January 2025, symbolizing the state’s recognition and endorsement of his kingship.
With the coronation complete, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade will assume the revered position of Alaafin of Oyo. His ascension will be seen as a bridge between tradition and modernity, given his extensive experience both within Nigeria and internationally.
