All roads lead to Oyo Town as preparations reach their peak for the historic coronation of Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.
Born 47 years ago into the distinguished Owoade-Agunloye royal family, the new monarch hails from Agure Compound and is a direct descendant of Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade. His background reflects a blend of traditional nobility and modern accomplishment.
Oba Owoade’s academic journey began at Baptist High School, Saki, after which he pursued a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro (1994–1997), and a Higher National Diploma from The Polytechnic, Ibadan (1999–2001). He completed his NYSC in 2002 with the Nigeria Gas Company and later worked at Oceanic Bank International Plc, Warri, as a cashier.
Furthering his education abroad, he obtained two Bachelor of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sunderland (2008) and Northumbria University (2012). He earned his Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in 2015 and held a Planning Engineer role at Oil Reach Company in Glasgow before relocating to Canada.
Until his enthronement, Oba Owoade was Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, Canada, a major utility company. He also presides over Manitoba Limited, a real estate and financial services firm, establishing himself as an entrepreneur and philanthropist.
The coronation ceremony, scheduled to take place at Olivet Baptist High School, has put the ancient town of Oyo in full celebratory mode. Hotels are fully booked, roads are being rehabilitated, and banners of the new Alaafin adorn the city.
According to the Palace’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, major markets including the iconic Akesan market will be shut for the ceremony. He urged residents to celebrate peacefully and avoid actions driven by vendetta or acrimony.
“The time to build a robust, sustainable and formidable communal unity is now. Peace is a fundamental asset to community development and human capital formation,” Alaafin Owoade said in a goodwill message.
As security arrangements are finalized and canopies set up for invited guests, the people of Oyo await the formal ascension of a monarch who embodies both tradition and modernity.
