Oyo town was filled with jubilation on Saturday as it played host to dignitaries from across Nigeria who gathered to witness the historic coronation of Oba Akeem Owoade as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo. The colorful event marked the beginning of a new era in one of Africa’s oldest and most influential traditional monarchies.
Among the high-profile attendees were President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin; former Deputy Governor Taofeek Arapaja; and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams. Their presence underscored the importance of the occasion to the Yoruba race and Nigeria at large.
Royal dignitaries from across the country also graced the occasion, lending cultural depth and prestige to the ceremony. These included the
Oyo town was filled with jubilation on Saturday as it played host to dignitaries from across Nigeria who gathered to witness the historic coronation of Oba Akeem Owoade as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo. The colorful event marked the beginning of a new era in one of Africa’s oldest and most influential traditional monarchies.
Among the high-profile attendees were President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin; former Deputy Governor Taofeek Arapaja; and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams. Their presence underscored the importance of the occasion to the Yoruba race and Nigeria at large.
Royal dignitaries from across the country also graced the occasion, lending cultural depth and prestige to the ceremony. These included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi; the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola; the Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye; and the Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Rafiu Ariwoola.
The coronation ceremony, held at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, followed the passing of the 45th Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, in April 2022. Oba Owoade had earlier completed the traditional 21-day rites known as Oro Ipebi, concluding on March 29, 2025, and was officially presented his staff of office by Governor Makinde in January.
Speaking at the coronation, President Tinubu, through his representative, described the Alaafin stool as a symbol of unity, cultural pride, and a vital force for peace and development in the nation. “Kabiyesi, your ascension to this revered throne comes at a critical time in our nation’s history,” he said. “You are more than a king—you are also a symbol of Yoruba resilience, wisdom, and pride.”
The president emphasized the significance of the throne in Nigeria’s cultural and political history. “The Alaafin stool is a symbol of cultural pride, unity, and the enduring legacy of one of Africa’s most powerful empires,” he noted, urging the new monarch to foster peace and play a mediatory role in communal disputes.
Governor Makinde, while presenting the monarch to the gathered crowd, reaffirmed the legitimacy of the selection process. “On the 10th of January, 2025, I applied my signature for the recommendation of Oyo Mesi for Oba Akeem Owoade… and today, I officially present to the entire world, the Alaafin of Oyo,” he declared.
Addressing those who may still have doubts about the legitimacy of the new Alaafin, Makinde said, “Those who said they have not been told or heard or who are running up and down should come around and see the new Alaafin of Oyo.”
In his acceptance speech, Oba Owoade expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Oyo and the dignitaries present. “I promise to always be for you just as you have always been for me,” he said, pledging to serve with humility and dedication as he begins his reign as custodian of the Oyo heritage.
