Alaafin Crowned! Oba Abimbola Owoade Ascends the Throne of Oyo In Royal Splendor

Oba Abimbola Owoade has officially been installed as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, stepping into the revered shoes of the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who passed away in April 2022 at age 83.

The grand coronation ceremony was held on Monday, January 13, at Olivet Baptist High School in Oyo and witnessed the presence of prominent monarchs, government officials, and dignitaries from across the country.

Earlier that day, Owoade was formally presented with the staff and instrument of office by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.

The historic occasion brought together major Yoruba traditional leaders, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, 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, Iba Gani Adams.

Oba Owoade’s emergence followed the completion of the sacred 21-day Oro Ipebi rites, a traditional process marking the spiritual preparation of a new king.

During the event, High Chief Oyewale, a senior member of the Oyo Mesi, acknowledged that while the selection process may stir divisions and competing interests, unity is always restored once the new Alaafin is chosen.

He stated, “There’s no more crisis among the Oyo Mesi. When it’s time to install a new Alaafin, many interests will come up. But once the king is selected, everyone aligns for the peace and unity of Oyo.”