Oba Abimbola Owoade: History was made in Oyo as Oba Abimbola Owoade was officially crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, succeeding the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who died in April 2022 at the age of 83.
The colourful coronation ceremony took place on Saturday at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo. It was graced by top dignitaries, led by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
Also present were some of the most respected traditional rulers in Yorubaland, including the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams.
Security was tight across Oyo and its surrounding areas as government officials ensured a smooth and safe ceremony.
Before Saturday’s coronation, Oba Owoade had earlier received his staff and instrument of office from Governor Makinde on January 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.
He also completed the traditional 21-day Oro Ipebi rites on March 29, fulfilling all necessary customs to ascend the revered throne.
The new Alaafin has now officially taken his place as the royal leader of the historic Oyo Empire, marking the beginning of a new era for the people of Oyo.