Breaking: Oba Abimbola Owoade Crowned as 46th Alaafin of Oyo

Oba Abimbola Owoade has been officially installed as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, following a grand coronation ceremony held on Saturday at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo town.

The event, which drew a large gathering of prominent traditional rulers and political leaders, was led by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who described the occasion as a significant milestone for the state and the Yoruba race.

Oba Owoade succeeds the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who died on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83 after reigning for over five decades.

Among the dignitaries present were the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, among others.

Ahead of the coronation, the Oyo State Government implemented strict security measures, with operatives deployed across strategic points in the city and surrounding areas to maintain order.

Oba Owoade had earlier received the staff and instrument of office on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan. He also completed the traditional 21-day Oro Ipebi rites on March 29, paving the way for his formal ascension.

The new Alaafin is expected to continue the legacy of the ancient Oyo Kingdom, bringing renewed vision and leadership to one of the most revered thrones in Yoruba history.