Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I has officially become the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, succeeding the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who passed away on April 22, 2022, at 83.
The coronation ceremony took place at Olivet Baptist High School in Oyo, drawing dignitaries from across Nigeria.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State presented the staff of office to Oba Owoade in January. The new king completed the traditional 21-day Oro Ipebi rites on March 29, leading up to the coronation event.
Creme de la Creme Attend
The event was graced by prominent figures, including President Bola Tinubu, represented by Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu; former Deputy Governor Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, and Senator Yunus Akintunde of Oyo South.
Royal attendees comprised the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi.
A New Chapter for Oyo
President Tinubu described the coronation as a transformative moment for the Oyo Kingdom. He stated, “This event marks the beginning of a new era for the sons and daughters of Oyo Town, the state, and the entire Yoruba race at home and abroad.”
The Oyo Empire, established around the 15th century, was a dominant Yoruba state in present-day southwestern Nigeria. It was renowned for its military prowess, sophisticated political structures, and economic prosperity.
The Alaafin served as both the political and spiritual leader, overseeing governance with the assistance of the Oyo Mesi, a council of chiefs that provided checks and balances.
The Role of the Alaafin
The Alaafin of Oyo was the supreme ruler of the empire, responsible for maintaining law and order, leading military campaigns, and conducting religious ceremonies. Despite his authority, the Alaafin’s power was not absolute; the Oyo Mesi and the Ogboni society played significant roles in governance, ensuring that the king’s decisions reflected the will of the people.
Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III ascended the throne on November 18, 1970, and reigned for over five decades until his death in April 2022. He was the longest-serving Alaafin, known for his efforts to preserve Yoruba culture and his influence in Nigerian politics. His passing marked the end of an era for the Oyo Kingdom.
Oba Abimbola Owoade I: The New Alaafin
Born 47 years ago into the royal Owoade-Agunloye family in Oyo Town, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I is the son of Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade of the Agure Compound.
He completed his secondary education at Baptist High School in Saki. His father was associated with the Oyo North Agricultural Development Programme (ONADEP), contributing to agricultural advancements in the Oke-Ogun community.
The coronation of Oba Abimbola Owoade I signifies the continuation of the rich heritage of the Oyo Kingdom.
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