The duo of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Emeritus Professor Ayoade Olayiwola Ogunkunle in the company of his wife, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogunkunle and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan joined other dignitaries at the coronation of the 46th Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I on Saturday, at the Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo.
Expectedly, the ancient city of Oyo came alive on Saturday as the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE officially presented the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I to the world. Ooni of Ife and President of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, led a royal train of over 100 traditional rulers from within and outside Osun State to witness the official coronation.
The coronation ceremony, a cultural spectacle filled with colour and history, marked a new chapter for Oyo Kingdom. Oba Owoade was officially selected through the sacred Ifa Oracle and presented the staff of office by Governor Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE at the Oyo State Government House in January 2025.
Governor Seyi Makinde recalled his January 10 approval of Oba Owoade’s selection and the subsequent staff of office presentation on January 13. He emphasized that the transparent process reinforced legitimacy and continuity in the revered stool of Alaafin.
Addressing the gathering, the newly crowned monarch delivered a message of reconciliation and unity. “Let us shun the drums of vendetta, persecution, and acrimony. These only lead to chaos and stagnation,” he said. He urged the people of Oyo to embrace communal harmony and work collectively to build a peaceful and prosperous kingdom.
The Ooni of Ife, speaking to journalists, congratulated the new Alaafin, the Oyomesi, and the entire people of Oyo. He encouraged other contenders for the throne to rally behind Oba Owoade for the development of the kingdom, stressing that Oyo remains a cornerstone of Yoruba cultural identity.
“The new Alaafin was chosen by destiny and confirmed by Olodumare through Ifa. He must now lead with humility and include everyone, including his fellow contestants and the Oyomesi. He is now the father of all,” the Ooni said.
The occasion also attracted dignitaries from across Nigeria, including the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo, the Alara of Ilara-Epe, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye and Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi among others.
From the political circle, key figures present were President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Hon. Minister of power Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin and his wife, Osun State Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; Former Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker and PDP leader, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Senator Yunus Akintunde; and Honourable Akeem “Skimeh” Adeyemi.
Cultural generalissimo, the Are Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, also graced the event, underscoring the historic and symbolic importance of the moment.
As Oyo enters a new era under Oba Abimbola Owoade, hopes are high that the kingdom will flourish in peace, unity, and progress, building on its legendary past for a brighter future.
