When the Oyo State government announced Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin to succeed the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the 45th Alaafin who passed away in April 2022, it came as a surprise. Many names had been put forward as potential candidates prior to the announcement of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo. Three years after the throne became vacant, Abimbola, who had been living in Canada, has now been crowned as the 46th Alaafin, hailing from the Agunloye Ruling House.
During the period that the stool was vacant, Bashorun of Oyo Town, Chief Yusuf Akinade Ayoola, who is the head of Oyomesi (the body of kingmakers for the Oyo Kingdom), acted as the Alaafin. His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owoade, comes from the royal Owoade-Agunloye family of Oyo and is one of the surviving children of Pa Rasaki Ibiyosi Owoade.
City People has compiled 5 reasons the new Alaafin is different from his predecessor. These reasons are:
(1) Favorable Omens During Ipebi Ceremonies: During the Ipebi rites, the Alaafin was fortunate to choose the honey-bearing calabash (igba oyin) on three separate occasions when asked to select from identical calabashes containing different contents. His consistent choice of honey symbolizes sweetness in life under his rule. Furthermore, when kola nuts were cast seven times at the House of Ogun, positive outcomes were announced each time. This has been noted as a good omen for the people of Oyo, as highlighted by Awise Awo Agbaye, Professor Wande Abimbola.
(2) Smooth Rites and Traditional Practices: The selection process for the new king has been devoid of any shady conduct, contrasting with previous instances where the choice of the next king heavily relied on the kingmakers, often neglecting the significance of Ifa divination. According to Professor Abimbola, the rites have been executed smoothly and satisfactorily, with about 13 separate Ipebi rites carried out successfully. In the past, It was the Yoruba tradition that the selection of kings depended on the Ifa oracle, and this welcome return to tradition has brought renewed hope.
(3) Unique Titles for the Royal Wives: Unlike other Obas in Yorubaland, the first wife of the Alaafin is referred to as “Aya’ba,” while subsequent wives are called “Oloori.” This distinction was officially announced during the coronation of the 46th Alaafin, HIM Oba Abimbola Owoade.
4. International Experience and Vision: The new Kabiesi is not only a royal but also a seasoned property developer with experience in Canada. With a strong academic and professional background, he is expected to leverage his expertise to enhance community development, attract global investments, and reconnect the youth of Oyo with their heritage. There is optimism regarding his potential to transform Oyo using his real estate knowledge gained abroad.
(5) Educational and Professional Accomplishments: Prince Akeem Owoade attended Baptist High School in Saki and later obtained a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro (1994 – 1997). He subsequently earned a Higher National Diploma in the same field at The Polytechnic, Ibadan (1999 – 2001). He pursued further studies in the United Kingdom, attaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sunderland in 2008 and a Master of Science in the same field from Northumbria University in 2012.
His professional journey spans different continents, beginning as a Planning Engineer at Oil Reach Company in Glasgow, UK, and currently serving as a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro in Canada. Additionally, he is the president of Manitoba Limited, a company specializing in real estate and financial services, showcasing his leadership and business acumen.
Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade was officially confirmed as the new Alaafin of Oyo on January 10, 2025, by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. His lineage can be traced directly to Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade, a notable descendant of Alaafin Atiba, signifying his rightful place on the throne. As a descendant of Pa Rasaki Ibiyosi Owoade, he carries forward the legacy of his ancestors, who played significant roles in shaping Oyo’s historical and cultural landscape. His selection reflects the collective endorsement of his family and community, highlighting the trust placed in him to uphold the values of the
Oyo Kingdom.
