Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Saturday officially presented Oba Akeem Owoade to the public as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo in a grand coronation ceremony held at Olivet Baptist High School in the ancient town of Oyo.

Addressing a large and jubilant crowd at the event, Makinde recounted the timeline of the monarch’s selection and formal recognition. He noted that the Oyo Mesi recommended Oba Owoade, and his administration acted promptly to affirm the choice in the interest of preserving tradition and peace.

“On the 10th of January, 2025, I signed off on the recommendation of the Oyo Mesi for Oba Akeem Owoade to become the new Alaafin of Oyo,” Makinde stated. “And on the 13th of January, I presented the certificate of office to our Kabiyesi. I have done my duty, but today, I officially present to the entire world, the Alaafin of Oyo.”

The governor also took a swipe at critics questioning the legitimacy of the new Alaafin, urging them to witness the historic moment firsthand. “Those who said they have not been told or heard, or who are running up and down, should come around and see the new Alaafin of Oyo,” he said.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Owoade expressed deep gratitude to the people of Oyo and all stakeholders who supported him throughout the selection process. “I promise to always be for you just as you have always been for me,” he declared, pledging commitment to the welfare and unity of the Oyo Kingdom.

The coronation attracted an impressive gathering of traditional rulers, political leaders, and dignitaries from across the country. Among them were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Orile-Igbon of Ilegbon, Oba Francis Alao; and the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola.

Also present were the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; Senator Yinus Akintunde (Oyo Central); Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; and Oyo Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal.

The coronation of Oba Owoade follows the passing of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, and marks a new chapter in the history of the revered Oyo monarchy.

More details to follow…