Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I has officially ascended the revered throne of the Alaafin of Oyo, becoming the 46th monarch in the illustrious history of the ancient Yoruba kingdom.
The coronation ceremony, held in the historic town of Oyo on Saturday, marked the end of a nearly two-year wait following the passing of the 45th Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, in April 2022 at the age of 83.
The elaborate ceremony was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers from across Yorubaland, and thousands of joyous indigenes and well-wishers.
Oba Owoade, who hails from the Agunloye Ruling House, was selected by the Oyo Mesi (kingmakers) after a rigorous screening and traditional consultation process that had stirred national attention due to prolonged delays and controversies.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who approved the kingmakers’ nomination earlier this year, described the installation as a “historic restoration of royal continuity” and emphasized the need for the new monarch to foster unity, cultural preservation, and development in the region.
Speaking during his first royal address, Oba Owoade pledged to uphold the legacy of the Alaafin institution as a symbol of Yoruba tradition and leadership.
He also promised to champion peace, education, and economic progress in Oyo and its environs.
“This throne is not just a seat of power, but one of responsibility,” he stated. “I will serve Oyo with dignity, humility, and vision.”
Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, whom Oba Owoade succeeds, reigned for over 52 years and was widely respected as one of the most influential traditional rulers in Nigeria’s post-independence history.
His long reign shaped the cultural and political relevance of the Oyo kingdom in modern Nigeria.
