Oba Abimbola Owoade crowned as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo

Oba Abimbola Owoade was officially crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo today, succeeding the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who passed away on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.

The coronation ceremony took place at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, with a host of dignitaries in attendance, including Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

Other notable figures at the event included 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; and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams.

Oba Owoade had earlier been presented with the staff of office and instrument of office on January 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan. He completed the mandatory 21-day Oro Ipebi rites on March 29, 2025, which prepared him for the throne.

High Chief Oyewale, speaking at the event, clarified that the process of selecting a new Alaafin, which often involves a clash of interests, was settled without any crisis within the Oyo Mesi (kingmakers). He emphasized that once the Alaafin is chosen, all council members unite in support of the new monarch.

Today’s event marked the beginning of a new era for the Oyo Kingdom, as citizens and dignitaries alike celebrated the newly crowned monarch.