Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, has shared the remarkable and unexpected journey that led to his emergence as the monarch of the ancient Yoruba kingdom. In an interview published by the Nigerian Tribune on Saturday, the engineer-turned-traditional ruler emphasized that he neither lobbied for the throne nor had any political affiliations prior to his selection.
“I swear to Almighty God, I didn’t know the governor. I never met him before. It was based on Ifa divination that I became the Alaafin of Oyo,” Oba Owoade revealed, reflecting on the spiritual and cultural process that led to his appointment.
He recounted that he was in Canada at the time the announcement was made. “I was sleeping and when I woke up, I decided to just check my phone. The next thing, I received a message from my younger brother. The message he sent was a link… I clicked on the link and the headline read: ‘Governor Makinde approves Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as Alaafin-elect’,” he narrated.
Oba Owoade disclosed that he initially declined the offer to vie for the revered stool, preferring to maintain his life abroad. However, persistent persuasion from family members eventually convinced him to reconsider. “I said I was not interested. But, after some persuasion, I gave in. Thank God I am here as the Alaafin and I am in Oyo to stay,” he said.
The monarch commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for upholding the integrity of Yoruba traditional processes and resisting political interference. “I will commend the governor because he respected our culture and tradition,” he noted with gratitude.
Addressing speculations of extravagant spending during the selection process, Oba Owoade dismissed any notion of financial influence. “It is not like giving millions – N5million, N10million or N20million. I’m telling you, I wasn’t involved in that,” he clarified, describing his contributions as customary and modest.
Reflecting on his time in Ipebi—a period of traditional seclusion for new monarchs—he described it as a transformative phase of cultural and historical education. “I learnt a lot of lessons. It is a place of lifelong lessons. Traditional historians came around and they told me stories about Oyo and the politics of Oyo and Yorubaland in its entirety,” he explained.
Oba Owoade paid homage to past Alaafins, particularly Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi and Alaafin Ladigbolu I, whom he hailed as exemplary figures. “I believe that, with the people’s cooperation, we can cover miles because Agbajo owo ni a fi n so’ya, owo kan o gb’eru d’ori,” he said, emphasizing collective effort in leadership.
He concluded by calling for religious and cultural unity in the kingdom. “I embrace all religions. The Yoruba say Iwa l’esin. Your connection with your God matters more than the number of times you display religiosity,” Oba Owoade stated, promising an inclusive reign that respects all faiths and traditions.
