OYO: Oyo town was aglow with cultural pride and pageantry on Saturday as dignitaries from across Nigeria gathered to witness the historic coronation of Oba Akeem Owoade as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.
Among the prominent figures in attendance were President Bola Tinubu—represented by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, former Deputy Governor Taofeek Arapaja, and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams.
The event was further elevated by the presence of esteemed traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi; Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola; Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye; and Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Rafiu Ariwoola.
The coronation ceremony, held at Oliveth Baptist High School, Oyo, marked a significant milestone in the history of the ancient Oyo Empire, following the passing of the 45th Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, in April 2022.
Before the ceremony, Oba Owoade had undergone the traditional 21-day Oro Ipebi rites, which concluded on March 29, and was formally presented with his staff of office by Governor Makinde in January at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.
In a message delivered by Chief Adelabu, President Tinubu described the Alaafin’s throne as a symbol of unity, cultural heritage, and continuity. He emphasized the role of the Alaafin as a custodian of Yoruba traditions and a bridge between the past and future.
Kabiyesi, your ascension to this revered throne comes at a critical time in our nation’s history, Tinubu said. “Traditional institutions like the Alaafin’s stool are essential in promoting peace, preserving identity, and supporting good governance.
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The president urged the people of Oyo to rally behind the new monarch, support his vision, and uphold values of peace, tolerance, and development. He expressed confidence that Oba Owoade’s wisdom and leadership would further strengthen the unity and progress of both Oyo Kingdom and Nigeria at large.
Governor Makinde, addressing the massive crowd, recounted the official recognition process and formally introduced the monarch:On January 10, 2025, I approved the recommendation of the Oyo Mesi for Oba Akeem Owoade to become the new Alaafin. On January 13, I presented his certificate of office. Today, I present him to the world as the Alaafin of Oyo.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Owoade expressed gratitude to the people of Oyo and all well-wishers for their support. I promise to always be for you, just as you have always been for me, the newly crowned Alaafin said.
The coronation was a colorful celebration of Yoruba tradition and pride, ushering in a new chapter in the storied legacy of the Oyo Empire.
