Gideon Maxwell
April 5, 2025
The ancient city of Oyo witnessed a historic and colourful ceremony as Oba Akeem Owoade was formally crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.
The grand event, held at Oliveth Baptist High School, drew an esteemed gathering including Governor Seyi Makinde, Minister Adebayo Adelabu representing President Bola Tinubu.
First-class traditional rulers in attendance included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; Orile-Igbon of Ilegbon, Oba Francis Alao; and the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola.
Also in attendance were notable dignitaries such as the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams; Senator Yinus Akintunde representing Oyo Central; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; and his Osun State counterpart, Kola Adewusi.
Foreign ambassadors representing their respective countries, alongside Oyo indigenes from across Nigeria and the diaspora, particularly Canada, where the new Alaafin formerly resided, were also present to witness the historic occasion.
The coronation, which took place on April 5, 2025, marked a defining moment in the rich cultural legacy of the Oyo Kingdom and signalled the dawn of a new era in its traditional leadership.
Oba Akeem Owoade, born into the prominent Owoade-Agunloye family, is a mechanical engineer by training who studied at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro and later at The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
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Owoade was presented with the staff of office and instrument of office on January 13, 2025, by Governor Seyi Makinde, marking his official ascension to the throne.
In anticipation of the grand event, the Oyo State government implemented heightened security measures with security operatives deployed at strategic locations across the city to ensure a smooth and trouble-free ceremony.
Police vans and vehicles from other security agencies were stationed at key areas such as Owoade, Jabata, Akesan, Isale Oyo, and Eleekara, while local hotels reported full bookings, with upgraded facilities to accommodate the influx of visitors.
Oba Owoade completed the compulsory 21-day traditional rites known as Oro Ipebi on March 29, 2025, accompanied by a nightly curfew from 8 PM to 6 AM to maintain order during the period.
The Alaafin urged the people of Oyo to celebrate with moderation, emphasising the importance of peace and unity for community development.
The Alaafin of Oyo is one of the most prestigious traditional titles in Nigeria, symbolising the rich heritage and cultural leadership of the Yoruba people.
The Oyo Empire was renowned for its military prowess and structured governance, with the Alaafin assisted by the Oyo Mesi, a council of seven chiefs.
Following the coronation, Oba Owoade is expected to move into the ancient Oyo Palace, marking a return of activities to the royal residence after a period of dormancy following the demise of the previous Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.
The event signifies a new chapter in the history of the Oyo Kingdom, with Oba Owoade poised to lead the community towards unity and cultural preservation.
