Alaafin of a New Dawn: Oyo welcomes Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I in historic coronation

History unfolded in grand colors and regal elegance as Oyo town welcomed its 46th monarch, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, in a ceremony that rivaled the coronations of old.

The ancient city, draped in vibrant aso-oke and echoing with traditional drums and chants, witnessed the convergence of royalty, dignitaries, and citizens celebrating the rebirth of its royal institution.

From the early hours of the day, the streets of Oyo bustled with excitement as cultural troops, local artisans, and well-wishers gathered to usher in the new Alaafin in a manner befitting the custodian of Yoruba heritage.

The official venue, Olivet Baptist High School, was transformed into a royal court, glittering with traditional decor, fluttering banners, and the regal presence of over 30 royal fathers from across Nigeria.

The event marked the formal presentation of the staff and certificate of office to Oba Owoade, who had previously completed his 21-day traditional rites known as Oro Ipebi, a sacred passage for every Alaafin-elect.

The Alaafin stool, vacant since the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in April 2022, found a worthy successor in Oba Owoade, a man many have described as intellectually refined and spiritually guided.

The crème de la crème of Nigeria’s political, cultural, and traditional elite gathered to witness what many called a divine restoration of the Alaafin lineage.

Leading the dignitaries was Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who officially presented the new monarch to the people of Oyo, declaring the coronation a triumph of due process and divine will.

According to him, “On January 10th, I appended my signature to the recommendation by the Oyo Mesi. Today, before the world, we unveil a king chosen by the oracle, approved by the people, and endorsed by destiny.”

The governor emphasized that attempts to corrupt the selection process were resisted, adding that the throne of the Alaafin is not for sale. “We investigated, we verified, and we chose conscience over compromise. This throne is sacred. It cannot be bartered.”

As he addressed the crowd, Governor Makinde also assured the citizens of Oyo that the government would continue to respect traditional institutions while promoting peace and cultural tourism.

Representing President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, delivered a message of national unity, cultural pride, and support for traditional leadership. “The Alaafin’s stool remains pivotal to the promotion of Yoruba identity, peace, and the preservation of governance rooted in values.”

In a powerful acceptance speech, Oba Owoade paid homage to his ancestors, praised the resilience of the Oyo people, and vowed to be a king of the people. “I am not just the Alaafin. I am your son, your brother, your father. My reign will be about inclusion, development, and dignity,” the new monarch declared to thunderous applause.

He called for unity across the Oyo Kingdom and extended a hand of reconciliation to all those who opposed his emergence, urging them to join hands in the progress of the land. “No throne is built on division. This is not about who was right or wrong, it is about what is right for Oyo,” Oba Owoade said.

Senator Yinus Akintunde, representing Oyo Central, echoed similar sentiments, describing the day as a rebirth of the Oyo monarchy and urging all stakeholders to rally around the Alaafin.

Former Senator Monsurat Sunmonu also offered goodwill, stating that the coronation closes a chapter of controversy and opens one of unity and prosperity.

The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, noted that with the new Alaafin, the Oyo Traditional Council would now regain its collective voice and serve as a compass for Yoruba unity.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, shared a symbolic embrace with Oba Owoade, signaling North-South harmony rooted in cultural respect.

As traditional rulers took turns to pay homage, chants of “Kabiyesi o!” reverberated through the crowd, creating an atmosphere that was both sacred and electrifying.

The colorful event was further enriched by cultural performances, egungun dances, bata drumming, and poetic recitations praising the lineage of Alaafin from Oranmiyan to Owoade.

The Araba of Osogbo, Baba Yemi Elelubo, and Chief Wande Abimbola led the Ifa priests in ceremonial blessings, reaffirming the spiritual legitimacy of the new Alaafin.

Notably present were foreign dignitaries and ambassadors from Portugal, Brazil, and Spain, countries with historical links to Yoruba culture via the transatlantic slave trade and the Yoruba diaspora.

Hon. Akin Alabi, a member of the House of Representatives, described the moment as “a divine alignment” that will bring peace and prosperity to the land.

Oba Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola, declared that the coronation should ignite the full revival of Yoruba cultural governance and economic collaboration.

The event was not merely ceremonial, it was deeply spiritual, symbolizing a reconnection with Yoruba cosmology and the gods of Oyo, particularly Sango, the deified warrior-king and god of thunder.

Governor Seyi Makinde noted that the state’s first agro-processing zone and agricultural transformation center is being built in Fasola, Oyo, a move aligned with the new Alaafin’s vision for economic renaissance.

The governor charged the Alaafin and the Oyomesi to protect the sanctity of the stool and ensure future succession by upholding traditional values without political manipulation.

“Let history not repeat the mistakes of the past,” Makinde warned. “Let us institutionalize fairness, transparency, and spiritual purity in all things.”

The crowning moment came when the Alaafin received the sacred crown and staff of office. As the talking drums rolled and elders prostrated, Oyo stood still in reverence.

Fireworks lit up the night sky, but nothing could outshine the royal radiance of Oba Owoade, seated on the ancient throne of his ancestors, resolute, regal, and ready.

Citizens of Oyo, home and abroad, declared the day a public holiday of the soul, a celebration not only of kingship but of collective identity and ancestral pride.

Across social media, tributes poured in as Yoruba sons and daughters hailed the new king as a bridge between the old and the new, a symbol of hope in uncertain times.

From Ibadan to Iseyin, from Lagos to London, Oyo’s crown became the trending story, a tale of tradition, triumph, and the tenacity of a people who refused to let their legacy fade.

Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, Elewu Etu I, is not just the 46th Alaafin. He is the embodiment of a lineage that survived centuries, adapted with time, and still leads with dignity.