Oyo town came alive with royal festivities on Saturday, April 5, 2025, as Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade was officially crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, succeeding the revered Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who passed away in April 2022 at the age of 83.
The historic coronation ceremony was held at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo and was graced by top dignitaries, traditional rulers, and political leaders from across Nigeria. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State led the state delegation, while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.
Among the prominent guests were the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams. Others included the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dahud Makanjuola; Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, and former Military Administrator, General Adebayo Popoola.
Oba Owoade was earlier presented with the Staff and Instrument of Office on January 13, 2025, by Governor Makinde at the State Secretariat in Ibadan. Prior to his coronation, he completed the mandatory 21-day Oro Ipebi traditional rites on March 29, signifying his readiness to ascend the throne.
To ensure the smooth flow of the event, the Oyo State Government deployed heavy security across strategic points in the ancient town and surrounding areas.
