New Dawn in Oyo: Oba Owoade crowned 46th Alaafin in grand coronation ceremony

In a grand and historic display of tradition, culture, and unity, Oyo town stood still on Saturday, as HIM. Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I was officially unveiled as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.

The coronation, held at the Olivet Baptist High School and 10 other different venues in Oyo, marked a new era for the ancient Yoruba kingdom after nearly three years of awaiting a new monarch following the demise of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in April 2022.

The event was graced by dignitaries from across Nigeria and the globe, drawing together royalty, politicians, spiritual leaders, diplomats, and well-wishers in a celebration that fused regal splendor with deep-rooted cultural heritage. At the helm of the event was Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who formally presented the staff and certificate of office to Oba Owoade, thereby unveiling him to the world as the new custodian of the revered Alaafin stool.

Governor Makinde, addressing the large gathering, emphasized that the selection of Oba Owoade was conducted with transparency, discipline, and respect for traditional institutions. “On January 10, 2025, I signed the recommendation of the Oyo Mesi, and by the 13th, I had presented the certificate of office,” he declared. “Today, we present him to the world. Those in doubt should come and see the Alaafin chosen by tradition and confirmed by divine guidance.”

The journey to the coronation had been one of patience and resilience. Oba Owoade underwent the compulsory 21-day Oro Ipebi traditional rites, emerging as a monarch not just chosen by Ifa but by the collective hopes of the people of Oyo.

Governor Makinde revealed that despite attempts by some to influence the process, he resisted pressure to tamper with tradition, reinforcing his commitment to due process.

The atmosphere in Oyo and Olivet Baptist High School specifically was electrifying. The air buzzed with anticipation and celebration as cultural troupes performed traditional chants, dances, and oriki (praise poetry) in honor of the new monarch.

Traditional music filled the venue, and the echoes of bata drums reverberated across Oyo town as sons and daughters of the soil came out in their numbers to witness history unfold.

Among the notable royal fathers in attendance were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyekola; and the representative of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Abimbola.

The event was also honored by the presence of the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, and renowned Ifa priests like Professor Wande Abimbola. the Araba of Osogbo, Baba Yemi Elelubo.

International representation came through envoys from Portugal, Brazil, and Spain, countries historically linked to the Yoruba through trade and culture, signaling the global importance of the Alaafin’s stool as a symbol of Yoruba heritage.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, in his goodwill message, highlighted the relevance of the Alaafin’s institution in Nigeria’s sociopolitical development. “In these challenging times,” he said, “traditional stools like that of the Alaafin are pivotal to fostering peace, preserving identity, and ensuring governance that reflects our rich values.”

Oba Owoade, in his acceptance speech, struck a tone of unity and progress. He expressed gratitude to the people of Oyo and pledged to be a monarch for all. “Let us embrace shared responsibilities and unity. Together, we shall witness the economic, social, and cultural rebirth of our dear kingdom,” he said.

The ceremony also served as a moment of reconciliation. Governor Makinde took time to address lingering controversies surrounding the ascension, revealing that some individuals attempted to bribe their way into the throne. “But Ifa did not choose them,” he said firmly. “This stool is not for sale, and I will never support illegitimacy.”

He urged those challenging the Alaafin’s emergence in court to accept the will of tradition and the people, reminding them that Oyo is a historical town with a legacy to protect. “Our traditional institutions must be kept sacred. Let’s ensure that the succession process remains transparent for generations to come,” the governor added.

Highlighting the cultural and economic significance of Oyo, Makinde acknowledges the significant role of the late Alaafin Adeyemi III in promoting the Sango Festival as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage event. And referenced projects such as the Fasola Agro-Processing Zone as signs of Oyo’s strategic importance in the state’s development blueprint.

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.

However, the King of Fuji music, Wasiu Ayinde K1, and King of Music, Saheed Osupa, entertained the dignitaries and Royal fathers at Olivet Baptist High School, while Taye Korency and Remi Aluko celebrated with the people of Oyo in another venue of the event till mama call.

As the sun set over Oyo town, a sense of renewal swept through the crowd. The coronation of Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I was not just a ceremonial event; it was the beginning of a new chapter in the illustrious history of Oyo. With cultural pride restored and unity rekindled, the kingdom now looks forward to a reign defined by wisdom, justice, and inclusive leadership.