OBA OWOADE CROWNED 46TH ALAAFIN OF OYO. (PHOTO).

 Oba Owoade crowned 46th Alaafin of Oyo

Oba Abimbola Owoade has been crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.

Owoade succeeds the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who died on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.

The coronation event took place today (Saturday) at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, where Governor Seyi Makinde led a host of dignitaries, including notable Nigerians.

Dignitaries present at the coronation included the Olubadan of Ibadan,  Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; and Aare Oona Kankanfo of Yoruba, Iba Gani Adams, among others

PUNCH Online reports 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.

The new monarch completed the compulsory 21-day traditional rites known as Oro Ipebi last Saturday, March 29.

Security arrangements have been significantly enhanced ahead of the ceremony.

Makinde, Oba Owoade arrive for Alaafin’s coronation

by Yinka Adeniran, Ibadan

Governor Seyi Makinde and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, have arrived at Olivet Heights Baptist School, Oyo for coronation of the monarch amid heavy security, drumming and gunshots into the air by local hunters. 

The coronation is happening barely three years after the last monarch, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, joined his ancestors.

The duo arrived the venue in a convoy of cars with the new monarch seated inside a Mercedes Benz G- Wagon.

The venue, which has been agog with fanfare as early as 7am, also witnessed heavy security presence.

There are two large heavily decorated canopies which seat dignitaries cut from different parts of the country.

President Bola Tinubu is being represented by Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu. 

Some of the dignitaries at the event include: Statistician General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer, National Bureau of Statistic, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran; Wife of Oyo  Governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde;  Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal; Deputy Osun Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; Chief of Staff to the Ondo Governor who represented the Governor, Prince Olusegun Omojuwa; Oyo Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin and  Senator Monsurat Sunmonu among other top government functionaries. 

Royal fathers in attendance include: the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; Oluwo of Iwo land, Oba Abdulrashid Akanbi; Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, Eze Ndigbo of Southwest, Dr James Oramadike. 

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.