• Govs, envoys, top monarchs, other dignitaries to grace event
By Oluseye Ojo
As the sun rises over the historic town of Oyo, Oyo State, today Saturday April 5, 2025, it will meet with the vibrant echoes of jubilation that will reverberate across the ancient city and through the hearts of the Yoruba people, from Oyo to far-off places like Benin Republic, Togo, Brazil, Cuba, North, Central and South Americas as well as the Caribbean.
Today, no doubt, marks a significant chapter in the annals of Yoruba history, as people welcome the new monarch, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.
The coronation comes nearly three years after the revered 45th Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, joined his ancestors.
The late Oba Adeyemi III reigned for 52 years before his death on April 22, 2022.
Emergence of new Alaafin
Oyo State Government on Friday January 10, 2025, announced Prince Owoade as the 46th Alaafin following approval of his name by Governor Seyi Makinde.
The monarch, who holds a Master of Science (MSc) Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northumbria University, received the news of his appointment in Canada, where he was working as a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro.
He arrived in Nigeria on Sunday January 12, and on Monday January 13, Governor Makinde presented a certificate and staff of office to him in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, once a vassal city of Oyo and the then headquarters of Oyo Empire’s large army. He returned to Canada thereafter to sign out from the Manitoba Hydro, before he came back to Nigeria to perform the mandatory 21-day seclusion rites, which he completed some days ago. At the conclusion of the rites, the crown of Sango, was placed on his head, which was followed by his first royal dance.
Today’s coronation
The coronation ceremony is an explosion of colour and sound, a march through time celebrating not just the title of the Alaafin, but the rich historical legacy that accompanies it.
Traditional drummers will fill the air with thrilling beats, while local performers will dazzle onlookers with captivating dances that will tell stories of the past.
The chant of ‘Ka-bi-ye-si’ will literally be visible. The panegyrics of ‘The child of death that death must not kill. The child of disease that disease must not hold down (Omo iku ti iku o gbodo pa. Omo arun ti arun ko gbodo se) will also rend the atmosphere.
Former Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III; Oba of Benin Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II; Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and many other dignitaries are expected to attend today’s coronation.
Ambassadors of Spain, Brazil, Columbia, Cuba, Poland, and Portugal to Nigeria and so on, are also expected to grace the coronation.
Notable personalities from Trinidad and Tobago, Benin Republic, Togo and other West African countries will also attend the ceremony.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the coronation, Dr. Kunle Ogunmola, said the coronation is an event in which the Oyo State Government is fully involved.
Today’s coronation was preceded by a series of activities, which began on Monday March 31.
The main coronation event holds at Olivet Heights, Oyo, which is for highly important personalities, and the venue would be accessed only by access cards specially designed for the occasion.
Ogunmola stated that 10 other locations have been created for reception and entertainment of guests for today. He added that the coronation would be streamed live and seamlessly to the 10 other venues from the main venue, and attendees would watch the event live on LCD screens.
The locations are OBHSO’s Field; Ladigbolu Grammar School; Labamba Hotel; AUD Primary School at Alagbon/ Owode; Methodist Primary School at Apaara; LA Town School Saabo; NA Town School at Isale Oyo; Oba Adeyemi Mini Stadium at Ode Aremo; ADS Primary School at Agunpopo, and Old Oyo National Park.
Controversies surrounding the throne
Oba Owoade’s ascent, however, did not come without complications. As with many royal transitions, the path to the throne was riddled with political manoeuvres, legal disputes, and emotional turbulence.
Nonetheless, after extensive consultations, traditional divinations, and amid ongoing litigations, Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade was finally named the new Alaafin.
Archbishop Emeritus Ayo Ladigbolu, a Prince of Oyo town, succinctly expressed the sentiments of many when he stated that “time will heal the pains of dissenting voices” in the community.
Role of the new Alaafin
Oba Owoade, 49, stepped into this historically charged role armed with a rich educational background and impressive career accomplishments.
He is expected to combine traditional wisdom with modern governance practices to foster an environment adept at balancing the demands of a contemporary society, while preserving ancient traditions.
As he takes on the mantle of leadership, the expectations placed upon him are immense.
Many have counselled that the presence of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Ajayi Crowther University, Atiba University, Federal College of Education (Special), and Federal School of Surveying in Oyo town should be leveraged on for the progress of the town.
The concept of Alaafinology initiated by an erudite historian, Prof Toyin Falola, could also be optimised to promote body of knowledge in the academia.
Supremacy issues between Alaafin, Ooni
Perspectives on the supremacy issues revealed that traditional leaders must navigate the age-old rivalry between the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife, a situation steeped in both historical tension and cultural pride. The Alaafin, revered as a political authority, must operate in a realm interwoven with respect for the spiritual responsibilities held by the Ooni. The delicate dance between these two powerful positions has implications that extend throughout the Yoruba nation.
This rivalry, often characterised by cultural pride and claims to historical supremacy, is as intricate as the threads that weave the fabric of Yoruba history.
The Ooni, as the spiritual leader, holds a revered position that intertwines faith, tradition, and cultural identity. In contrast, the Alaafin holds political authority, acting as a symbol of governance and leadership for his people.
The juxtaposition of these roles is anything but straightforward, and according to analysts, Oba Owoade’s diplomatic skills will be paramount in managing this delicate relationship.
While some view the Ooni’s spiritual role as naturally superior, historical narratives create a fascinating tension that requires balance; the Alaafin’s voice remains crucial in matters of governance and cultural preservation.
Cultural resurgence
The call for a revival of cultural heritage among the Yoruba youth remains a pressing challenge. The new Alaafin is expected to breathe life into this cultural renaissance, by deploying sustainable development initiatives that focus on education, entrepreneurship, and the preservation of the Yoruba language and customs.
Previous monarchs, including Oba Adeyemi III, championed educational programmes and investments in culture. But the task ahead requires an innovative vision that speaks to today’s realities.
Youth empowerment is crucial, as the demography of young Yoruba people represents both challenge and opportunity. Little wonder some have challenged Oba Owoade to implement programmes that engage the youth, instilling in them a sense of pride in their cultural identity while equipping them with the tools needed for modern success.
Building unity amidst diversity
Many of the people spoken to by this reporter counselled that the new Alaafin will need to address inter-community relationships, particularly regarding land and boundary disputes that have often flared into violence.
For example, they advised that the issues involving Afijio and Oyo must see a final resolution. Moreover, the Alaafin’s role as a unifier—a voice for cohesion, will be critical in achieving a climate where Islam, Christianity, and traditional religions can coexist peacefully, they noted.
As many have expressed, the new king must create an environment that champions inclusivity and respects the beliefs of all, which can in turn fortify the social fabric of Oyo.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the coronation, Dr. Kunle Ogunmola, also spoke on unity of natives of Oyo and Yoruba race.
“Oyo remains the bastion of Yoruba culture, and this coronation is an opportunity for all to revel in its magnificence. Let us support, preserve, and promote the customs that unite us as one indivisible Yoruba entity,” he said.
Ogunmola stated that as Oyo people and the entire Yoruba stand on the precipice of history, the land of Oyo would witness the grandeur of tradition, heritage, and royalty, with the coronation of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo, today.
“This monumental event, last seen 54 years ago, is a rare spectacle of Yoruba cultural splendour, a moment that binds us as a people and reignites the spirit of our ancestors,” he stated.