Oba Abimbola Owoade has officially ascended the throne as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who died on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.
The coronation ceremony took place on Saturday at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, with Governor Seyi Makinde in attendance alongside a host of prominent Nigerians.
Among those present were traditional rulers such as the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; as well as the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams.
Prior to the ceremony, the Oyo State Government had taken steps to ensure tight security across the ancient city and nearby communities by deploying security personnel to key areas.
Oba Owoade had earlier received the staff and instrument of office from Governor Makinde on Monday, January 13, 2025, during a formal event at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.
His journey to the throne also included the completion of the traditional 21-day Oro Ipebi rites, which concluded on Saturday, March 29.
