Abimbola Owoade crowned as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo at a grand ceremony in Oyo after nearly three years of the throne being vacant

After nearly three years of anticipation, Prince Abimbola Owoade has been officially crowned as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, restoring leadership to one of Yoruba land’s most revered thrones.

The coronation ceremony took place on Saturday at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, drawing a gathering of royalty, dignitaries, and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria.

The new monarch ascends the throne following the death of his predecessor, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who passed away on 22 April 2022 after a 52-year reign.

Owoade’s formal installation was graced by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who earlier presented the staff and instrument of office to the new Alaafin at a ceremonial gathering at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan on Monday, 13 January 2025.

The coronation ceremony saw the attendance of notable Yoruba traditional rulers, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan 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 completed the traditional Oro Ipebi rites, a sacred 21-day seclusion for spiritual and cultural preparation, concluding on Saturday, 29 March.

Security at the venue was notably tight, with law enforcement ensuring the smooth conduct of the historical event, which saw cultural displays, royal processions, and jubilation from the Oyo people who welcomed their new king with pride and joy.

The ascension of Oba Owoade is expected to usher in a new era of cultural renaissance, unity, and development for the ancient Oyo Kingdom, once the seat of one of the most powerful empires in West Africa.

With the throne of Alaafin restored, all eyes now turn to the new monarch’s vision for preserving tradition while navigating the demands of modern governance and youth engagement within his domain.