BREAKING: Oba Abimbola Owoade Crowned 46th Alaafin of Oyo Amid Grand Ceremony

In a historic ceremony held on Saturday, Oba Abimbola Owoade was formally installed as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, succeeding the revered Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who passed away on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.

The coronation took place at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, drawing an array of eminent personalities. Governor Seyi Makinde led the occasion, joined by traditional rulers and prominent figures from across the country.

Among the dignitaries were 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.

In anticipation of the high-profile event, the Oyo State Government ramped up security across the city, deploying personnel to key locations to ensure order and safety.

Oba Owoade had earlier received the staff and instrument of office on January 13, 2025, during a ceremony held at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan. His ascension follows the completion of the traditional 21-day Oro Ipebi rites, which concluded on March 29.

The installation marks a new chapter in the leadership of the ancient Oyo Kingdom, as Oba Owoade steps into the role once held by one of the longest-reigning monarchs in the history of the Yoruba people.