Oba Abimbola Owoade has been officially crowned as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, taking over the throne after the passing of the 45th Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who died on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.
The grand coronation took place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Olivet Baptist High School in Oyo, with Governor Seyi Makinde and other top dignitaries in attendance.
Some of the notable guests at the event included the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams.
The new Alaafin had earlier received his staff of office and official documents on January 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan. He also completed the traditional 21-day Oro Ipebi rites on March 29, which is required before any new Alaafin can be crowned.
Ahead of the coronation, the Oyo State Government provided tight security across the city and nearby areas to ensure a peaceful ceremony. Security personnel were stationed at key locations as large crowds gathered to witness the historic event.
Speaking at the venue, High Chief Lamidi Oyewale, a senior member of the Oyo Mesi (kingmakers), said there was no longer any division within the council.
“There is no more crisis within Oyo Mesi,” he said. “Whenever a new king is to be installed, there are always different interests. But once the king is chosen, all members come together to support him.”
Chief Oyewale compared the selection process to an election, where competition is normal but unity follows once a winner emerges.
Traditional rulers from across Yorubaland are in attendance to honour the new Alaafin, whose ascension marks a new era for the ancient Oyo kingdom.
