By Ghazali Ibrahim 
The Oyo kingdom has a new monarch, as Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade has been crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.
The coronation ceremony, which took place on Saturday at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, was attended by several dignitaries, including Governor Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
Others are Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar; Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dahud Makanjuola; Bishop Taiwo Adelakun; former MILAD, General Adebayo Popoola; Aseyin of Iseyin Oba Sefiu Oyebola; Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye and Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Rafiu Ariwoola among others.
Oba Owoade succeeds the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who passed away on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.
According to reports, Oba Owoade completed the compulsory 21-day traditional rites, known as Oro Ipebi, before ascending to the throne.
The new monarch is a mechanical engineer and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Sunderland.
Reports shows that ahead of the event, the Oyo State Government had put in place heightened security measures, including the deployment of security operatives at strategic locations within the ancient city and surrounding communities.
Oba Owoade, who was presented with the staff of office and instrument of office on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital, ascends the throne after the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi passed away.
Oba Owoade’s coronation marks the beginning of a new era for the Oyo kingdom, with the monarch poised to lead the kingdom into a new era of growth and development.
