Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade has officially crowned as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo today. In a grand ceremony steeped in Yoruba tradition, marking a new chapter in the ancient city’s rich history. The coronation event attracted dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond, including traditional rulers, government officials, and prominent figures from various sectors.
The journey to Oba Owoade’s ascension began earlier this year when Governor Seyi Makinde approved his appointment following recommendations from the Oyomesi, the traditional kingmakers of Oyo. The governor emphasized his commitment to a transparent selection process, stating that the revered Alaafin stool “would not be for sale.”
Oba Owoade, a descendant of the Owoade-Agunloye royal family, brings a wealth of experience from both the engineering and financial sectors. His educational background includes degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sunderland and Northumbria University in the United Kingdom. Professionally, he has served as a Planning Engineer in Glasgow and is currently a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro in Canada.
In his inaugural address, Oba Owoade outlined a comprehensive agenda aimed at fostering cultural preservation, economic development, and social empowerment within Oyo Kingdom. Key initiatives include:
Establishing schemes to support widows and widowers, recognizing the profound impact of losing a spouse.
Upgrading the Alaafin’s palace infrastructure while meticulously preserving Yoruba cultural heritage.
Cultural Promotion: Ensuring the vibrancy of Yoruba traditions through various cultural activities and the establishment of a museum to house artifacts, including those to be repatriated from foreign institutions.
Creating an industrial park to attract both local and international investors, thereby boosting commerce and providing employment opportunities.
Implementing vocational training programs in collaboration with organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to empower the youth.
The coronation festivities were meticulously planned by a 97-member committee, chaired by Dr. Kunle Ogunmola, a former INEC Commissioner. The committee’s formation aimed to ensure a ceremony that not only celebrated Oba Owoade’s ascension but also showcased the unity and cultural richness of the Yoruba people.
However, the journey to the throne was not without contention. A faction known as the Atiba 9, representing nine royal families, expressed reservations about the selection process, alleging deviations from traditional norms. They emphasized the importance of adhering to established customs in appointing the Alaafin.
Despite these challenges, the coronation proceeded with grandeur, symbolizing a hopeful future for Oyo Kingdom under Oba Owoade’s reign. As the new Alaafin assumes his role, the people of Oyo and the broader Yoruba community look forward to an era marked by cultural renaissance, economic growth, and social development.