Akeem Owoade To Be Crowned 46th Alaafin Of Oyo Amidst High Expectations

Akeem Owoade, 49, will be officially crowned as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo on Saturday, April 5, marking the culmination of a journey filled with controversies involving Governor Seyi Makinde, the Oyomesi (kingmakers), and renowned Ifa priest Prof. Wande Abimbola. Despite the twists and turns, Oyo indigenes hold high hopes for their new monarch.

The Grand Coronation;

The town of Oyo will resound with the chants of Ka-bi-ye-si! Ka-bi-ye-si! Ka-bi-ye-si! as Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I ascends the throne as His Imperial Majesty. Traditional drummers—gangan, bata, gbedu, sakara, and the dundun-sekere ensemble—will set the rhythm for the historic occasion, accompanied by the reverberating voices of traditional worshippers and the incantations of Sango devotees.

The coronation ceremony will feature elaborate musical performances, including rara chants, akuyungba, apintie, igba-titi, bata, and sekere drumming—an essential musical element of the Alaafin’s court. Drummers with skilled hands will craft intricate rhythms to honor the new king as he approaches Olivet Baptist Heights, Oyo, for the official crowning. These beats, infused with messages and proverbs, will blend with the jingling of bells around the drumheads, the vibrant sounds of the sekere, and the dynamic call-and-response singing of praise singers.

Owoade has already offered a glimpse of his connection to tradition. During his traditional coronation at the Sango Koso shrine—where he received the Sango crown—he moved gracefully to the beats of the gangan drummers, enthralling onlookers with his rhythmic dance. This ritual marked the final phase of his Oro Ipebi (traditional initiation) as the Alaafin-elect, following a series of ancestral rites and sacrifices conducted at key locations in Oyo, including Baba Iyaji’s residence, Ona Isokun, Ilemole, and Bara.

In the lead-up to the grand event, a series of pre-coronation activities have been taking place since March 31, including a cultural carnival, tree planting, exhibitions, public lectures, a quiz competition, project inaugurations, a football tournament, and stage plays celebrating Yoruba heritage.

Owoade’s Path to the Throne;

Like his predecessor, the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, Owoade’s ascent to the throne has been anything but straightforward. Adeyemi, who ruled for 52 years, also faced political and legal hurdles before securing the title in 1970. Similarly, it has taken nearly three years of disputes, court cases, and political maneuvers to finally appoint a new Alaafin.

Following Adeyemi’s passing on April 22, 2022, the Oyomesi began the process of selecting a successor. Of the 198 contenders, a shortlist was compiled, and candidates were interviewed per the 1961 Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration. However, the process stalled when Governor Makinde rejected the kingmakers’ initial selection of Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, alleging irregularities.

A faction of the Oyomesi resisted Makinde’s intervention, insisting that Gbadegesin was the rightful Alaafin-elect. The governor, citing allegations of bribery among the kingmakers, ordered a fresh selection process, this time with the consultation of Ifa divination. The task fell to Prof. Wande Abimbola, a revered Ifa priest and scholar, who ultimately identified Akeem Owoade as the rightful heir.

On January 10, 2025, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information announced Makinde’s approval of Owoade’s appointment. Three days later, at the Executive Council Chambers in Ibadan, Makinde presented Owoade with the certificate and staff of office, setting April 5 as the coronation date. Despite legal challenges from rivals, preparations for the coronation have moved forward under a state-appointed planning committee led by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Demola Ojo, and a local organizing committee chaired by Dr. Kunle Ogunmola.

Expectations of Oyo Indigenes;

The controversy surrounding Owoade’s appointment remains a talking point, but community leaders urge unity and support for the new king. Archbishop Emeritus Ayo Ladigbolu, Chairman of the Oyo Metropolitan Development Association, expressed optimism, saying, “Time will heal the pains of dissenting voices. Oyo needs leadership, peace, progress, and prosperity. All hands are on deck for a successful coronation.”

Residents of Oyo have also voiced their expectations for the new monarch. Dr. Paula Gomes, a Cultural Ambassador to the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, emphasized the need for Owoade to balance modern leadership with cultural preservation. “The new Alaafin must protect Yoruba heritage while promoting development for society,” she noted.

Elder statesman Adebayo Olawoyin urged Owoade to foster religious harmony and create employment opportunities to curb youth unrest. “He must ensure that adherents of Islam, Christianity, and traditional religion coexist peacefully. Job creation is also key to preventing criminal activities,” he said.

Mukaila Afonja, Baba Iyaji of Oyo, highlighted an urgent boundary dispute between Oyo and Afijio that has led to violent conflicts. “The new king must mediate and restore peace,” he stressed.

Olorunpoto Rahaman, a member representing Oyo East/Oyo West in the state assembly, called on the Alaafin to prioritize unity, development, and cultural preservation. “He should champion cultural initiatives and engage the government to complete abandoned projects in Oyo,” Rahaman added.

Former legislator Isiaka Tunde outlined key areas for Owoade’s leadership, including economic growth, cultural revitalization, and youth empowerment. “The Alaafin should advocate for investments, support local businesses, and harness cultural tourism for sustainable economic growth,” he said.

Additionally, Tunde urged the new king to be a unifier and a strong advocate for Yoruba interests. “He must ensure that the Yoruba voice is heard at national and international levels,” he stated.

The Future of the Throne

As Owoade prepares to take his place as Alaafin, he inherits not just a crown but the hopes and expectations of an entire kingdom. His reign will be judged by his ability to navigate tradition and modern governance, uphold the legacy of the Alaafin, and unify the people of Oyo.

With the weight of history on his shoulders and the gaze of Yoruba land upon him, Alaafin Owoade’ journey begins—one that will define his legacy and the future of the Oyo kingdom.

Like Our Story ? Donate to Support Us, Click Here

You want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity/live coverage for product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +16477721660 or email Adebaconnector@gmail.com