The Alaafin-designate, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has been crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo following the completion of the traditional rites.
New Telegraph reports that the coronation event took place on Saturday, April 5, at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, where Governor Seyi Makinde led a host of dignitaries, including notable Nigerians, to the event.
Oba Owoade succeeded the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who died on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.
Dignitaries present at the coronation include 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 Aare Oona Kankanfo of Yoruba, Iba Gani Adams, among others.
Ahead of the event, the Oyo State Government had put in place heightened security measures, including the deployment of security operatives at strategic locations within the ancient city and surrounding communities.
Oba Owoade, who was presented with the staff of office and instrument of office on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital, ascends the throne after the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi passed away.
The new monarch completed the compulsory 21-day traditional rites known as Oro Ipebi last Saturday, March 29.