Profile of the New Alaafin of Oyo: Oba Abimbola Owoade

Oba Abimbola Owoade, the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, ascends the throne with a remarkable blend of royal heritage, academic distinction, and international professional experience. Born in 1975 into the illustrious Owoade-Agunloye royal family of the Agure Compound in Oyo Town, he is a scion of the revered Agunloye ruling house. His father, Rasaki Ibiyosi Owoade, belongs to a lineage steeped in history—Oba Abimbola is the paternal great-grandson of Alaafin Lawani Agogoja, and a direct descendant of the legendary Alaafin Atiba, founder of the modern Oyo dynasty. His grandfather, Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade, was a brother to Alaafin Ladigbolu I, further cementing his royal credentials.

Profile of Oba Abimbola Owoade

Oba Abimbola’s educational journey began at Baptist High School, Saki, where he completed his Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination in 1992. He pursued a career in engineering, earning an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) from the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro (1994–1997), and a Higher National Diploma (HND) from The Polytechnic, Ibadan (1999–2001). Driven by ambition and a quest for global excellence, he relocated to the United Kingdom, where he studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sunderland and Northumbria University, earning a Bachelor of Science in 2008 and a Master of Science in 2012, respectively.

Professionally, Oba Abimbola began as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in 2002, serving as a Mechanical Intern/Planner with the Nigeria Gas Company. He briefly worked at Oceanic Bank Plc as a teller between 2003 and 2004, before advancing his career in the U.K. and Canada. Certified as a project manager, he most recently served as a project coordinator with Manitoba Hydro in Winnipeg, Canada, showcasing a career marked by technical expertise and leadership in engineering project management.

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

Profile of the New Alaafin of Oyo: Oba Abimbola Owoade

Following the passing of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022, the race to fill the vacant stool of the Alaafin was intense and contentious, marked by protests and legal disputes among various royal families. Despite these tensions, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State officially approved the selection of Abimbola Owoade on January 10, 2025, affirming him as the rightful successor. The official presentation of the certificate and staff of office took place on January 13, 2025.

Oba Abimbola Owoade was coronated as the Alaafin of Oyo on April 5, 2025, stepping into a role rich in cultural responsibility and historical significance. As a second cousin twice-removed of the late Oba Lamidi III—both being descendants of Alaafin Atiba—he carries the legacy of a dynasty that has shaped Yoruba history for centuries. His reign is expected to usher in a new era that bridges tradition with global modernity.