Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially confirmed Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, ending months of speculation about the successor to the revered throne.
The announcement was made on Friday by Dotun Oyelade, the state’s commissioner for Information and Orientation.
The throne had been vacant since the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022. Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade, a member of the Owoade-Agunloye royal family, hails from the Agure Compound in Oyo town and is a direct descendant of Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade.
A Journey of Academic and Professional Excellence
Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade’s journey is one of remarkable achievements. He completed his secondary education at Baptist High School, Saki, in 1992 before pursuing Mechanical Engineering at The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, and The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sunderland in the UK in 2008 and a Master of Science from Northumbria University in 2012.
With a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification obtained in 2015, Owoade built an impressive career.
He served as a Planning Engineer in Glasgow and is currently a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, a leading utility provider in Canada.
He also leads a real estate investment firm, 100279 Manitoba Limited, showcasing his business acumen.
A Visionary Leader for the Throne
Beyond his professional success, Prince Owoade is deeply committed to philanthropy and the preservation of Yoruba culture.
His selection as Alaafin brings a promise of modern leadership enriched by global experience.
His agenda includes initiatives to empower widows and widowers, promote economic growth in Oyo, and establish vocational training programs to address youth unemployment.
Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade also plans to modernize the Alaafin’s palace while preserving its cultural heritage, establish a Yoruba artifact museum, and champion the global promotion of Yoruba traditions.
With his vast experience and visionary outlook, the new Alaafin is expected to steer Oyo into a new era of cultural and economic renaissance.