Oyo, Nigeria — The ancient city of Oyo witnessed a historic moment today as Oba Abimbola Owoade was formally crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, marking a new chapter in the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
The coronation ceremony, which drew traditional rulers, political dignitaries, and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria, was held at Oliveth Baptist High School, Oyo. The event was graced by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who led an array of notable personalities in celebrating the new monarch.
Also present at the colourful occasion were some of the most revered Yoruba monarchs, including the the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwus; 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 other distinguished guests.
The newly installed Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Owoade, succeeds Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the 45th Alaafin, who passed away on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83, after reigning for over five decades.
Ahead of the coronation, the Oyo State Government had rolled out extensive security measures, with operatives deployed to maintain peace and order across key locations within the city and its environs, ensuring the smooth conduct of the event.
Oba Owoade had earlier received his staff and instrument of office from Governor Makinde on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Government Secretariat in Ibadan, solidifying his appointment as the new custodian of the ancient Oyo Kingdom.
His formal ascension to the throne follows the successful completion of the sacred 21-day Oro Ipebi traditional rites, which concluded on Saturday, March 29, in line with Yoruba royal customs.
The coronation of Oba Owoade as the 46th Alaafin is seen as a moment of renewal for the Oyo Kingdom, with cultural custodians and citizens alike expressing optimism for a prosperous reign filled with peace, unity, and progress.
By Enoch Odesola | April 5, 2025
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