The ancient city of Oyo witnessed a historic moment on Saturday as Oba Abimbola Owoade was officially installed as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, succeeding the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who passed away on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.
The coronation ceremony, held at Oliveth Baptist High School, was graced by numerous high-profile guests, led by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. Also in attendance were distinguished traditional rulers such as 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 Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II, among others.
Ahead of the grand event, heightened security was deployed throughout Oyo and its environs by the state government to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration.
Oba Owoade had earlier received the staff and instrument of office on January 13, 2025, during a ceremony held at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan. His ascension followed the successful completion of the traditional 21-day Oro Ipebi rites, which concluded on March 29.
The installation marks a new era for the Oyo Kingdom, as citizens and dignitaries alike gathered to honor the newly crowned monarch and celebrate the continuity of a centuries-old lineage.