Pomp And Glamour As Oyo Celebrates Coronation Of Alaafin Owoade

The ancient town of Oyo is aglow with celebration today, Saturday, April 5, 2025, as His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, is officially crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.

The grand coronation ceremony is drawing dignitaries from across Nigeria, traditional rulers, cultural enthusiasts, and proud sons and daughters of Oyo—both at home and abroad. The town is buzzing with excitement as a new chapter begins under the leadership of the newly installed monarch.

Oba Owoade, 49, hails from the royal Owoade-Agunloye family of Agure Compound in Oyo Town. He is the son of Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade. His father served with the Oyo North Agricultural Development Programme (ONADEP), playing a key role in advancing agriculture in the Oke-Ogun region.

The new Alaafin completed his secondary education at Baptist High School, Saki. He went on to study Mechanical Engineering, earning his National Diploma from the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro (1994–1997), and his Higher National Diploma from The Polytechnic, Ibadan (1999–2001). He completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2002 with the Nigeria Gas Company as a Mechanical Intern/Planner.

He briefly worked as a cashier with Oceanic Bank International Plc in Warri (2003–2004), before furthering his education in the United Kingdom. There, he earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sunderland (2008) and Northumbria University (2012). He became a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) in 2015.

Oba Owoade held a Planning Engineer position with Oil Reach Company in Glasgow before relocating to Canada, where he served as a Project Coordinator with Manitoba Hydro, one of Canada’s largest electricity and gas utility companies. He is also an entrepreneur and philanthropist, and president of Manitoba Limited, a real estate investment and financial services company.

In a statement, the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, noted that the town has undergone extensive preparations for the ceremony. Roads have been repaired to accommodate guests, and excitement is building as colorful motorcades parade through the streets.

The main event is taking place at Olivet Baptist High School, where special canopies have been set up for invited guests. Security arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth celebration. As a mark of the day’s importance, the popular Akesan Market—and all other markets in the town—will be temporarily closed.

Despite the festive atmosphere, Oba Owoade has urged the public to celebrate peacefully and avoid any acts of division or hostility.

“Let us not beat the drums of vendetta, persecution, or acrimony—they bring no good,” the monarch said. “Promoting peace and unity is the shared duty of every indigene of Oyo.”

He emphasized that peace is essential for growth and development, both individually and as a community.

“The time to build a strong, united, and progressive Oyo is now. Let us strengthen our relationships and foster harmony across the land,” he added.

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