A new chapter has begun in the ancient Oyo Kingdom as Oba Abimbola Owoade has been officially crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, succeeding the revered Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who passed away on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.
The historic coronation ceremony held today (Saturday) at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo was a colorful display of Yoruba tradition and royal grandeur. It was graced by prominent dignitaries led by Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
Among those in attendance were the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, among other traditional rulers and eminent Nigerians.
Before the coronation event, Oba Owoade had been presented with the staff and instrument of office on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, officially sealing his royal appointment.
The new monarch also completed the sacred 21-day traditional rites known as Oro Ipebi on Saturday, March 29, 2025, fulfilling all necessary spiritual requirements for ascending the throne of his forefathers.
With his ascension, the ancient stool of the Alaafin is once again occupied, ushering in a new era of leadership, culture, and continuity in the historic Oyo Kingdom.
