Sultan of Sokoto, Ooni, Olu of Warri, Alara, Attah, Oluwo, others present as Gov Makinde coronates Owoade as 46th Alaafin of Oyo

By KEMI KASUMU and ADEWALE OMO OLUBO

Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, has coronated and formally presented Oba Hakeem Abimbola Owoade I as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.

By the coronation, held at Olivet event space in Oyo, Oyo State on Saturday April 5, 2025, it is now become official that the former Canada-based engineer has succeeded Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who died on April 22, 2022, aged of 83.

The event was graced by the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria (NTRCN), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who had arrived the South West via Murtala Muhammed International Airport Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday April 4, ahead of the august occasion.

The DEFENDER reports that the Sultan was received at the Lagos Airport on Thursday by officials of his host, the Oyo State Government, supported by his Deputy President-General (South) of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, Deputy President of MUSWEN, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, Sarkin Fulani of Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Bambado II, and officials of Lagos State Government, and immediately proceeded to Ibadan, where he attended Jumah service at University of Ibadan Central Mosque.

Attendance of the Sultan at the Alaafin of Oyo’s Coronation Ceremony underscores his commitment to fostering unity and peaceful co-existence among people of various ethnic and religious backgrounds in the country.

Also in attendance at the event was the Ooni of Ife and co-Chairnan of the NTRCN, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Attah of Aiyede Kingdom, Ekiti State, Oba Alhaji AbdulMumini Adebayo Orishagbemi, the Alara of Ilara Epe and Vice Chairman Lagos State Council of Chiefs, Oba Folarin Ogunsanwo, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi, the Akire of Ikire-Ile, Oba AbdulAzeez Olatubosun, and the Oluwo of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, Sarkin Fulani of Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Bambado II, among several others.

Other dignitaries who graced the coronation event included the Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, who also delivered President Bola Tinubu’s message, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; former Military Governor of Oyo State, Major General Oladayo Popoola (Rtd), Ondo and Osun State Governors ably represented, former Deputy Governor, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; and Senator Yunus Akintunde representing Oyo South, Deputy President-General (South) of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, Executive Secretary of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Professor Muslih Yahaya, among others.

Governor Seyi Makinde, fondly called the “star boy” by his admirers, was cheered intermittently as he publicly presented the new Alaafin “to the world” saying, having approved and presented him the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment in January, that he had completed his assignment.

The governor, who spoke in Yoruba, however said that, “What I am doing today is to present to the world Oba Hakeem Abimbola Owoade I as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo. So, those who may say they have not heard or have not seen it and are therefore still running around should come and meet the Kabiyesi in the Palace.”

President Bola Tinubu, in his message, described the coronation of Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the 46th Alaafin, as a transformative moment in the history of the Oyo Kingdom.

In his address delivered during the ceremony, held at the Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, President Tinubu conveyed the pride and unity the coronation brought to the Yoruba people.

“This historic occasion is not just a celebration for the great people of Oyo but for the entire Yoruba race and Nigeria as a whole,” he emphasized, underscoring the Alaafin’s role as a cultural symbol.

He reflected on the legacy of the Alaafin, noting that the throne represents a bridge between the past and present.

The president quoted the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, stating, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture are like a tree without roots.”

“The new Alaafin assumes his responsibilities at a critical time for Nigeria, characterized by social and economic challenges.

“Traditional institutions like the Alaafin’s stool remain vital in fostering peace and promoting cultural identity,” the president remarked.

Adelabu urged the people of Oyo to rally behind their new monarch, encouraging a collective commitment to peace and progress.

“Let us remember the words of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III: ‘A kingdom thrives when its people are united in purpose,” he said.

“Kabiyesi, your ascension to this revered throne comes at a critical time in our nation’s history. Nigeria is navigating complex challenges, and traditional institutions like the Alaafin’s stool remain vital in fostering peace, promoting cultural identity, and supporting governance.

“As you assume this sacred responsibility, we are confident that your wisdom, leadership, and dedication will further strengthen the unity and progress of the Oyo Kingdom and Nigeria as a whole.

“On this auspicious occasion, I reaffirm President Tinubu’s commitment to preserving our cultural heritage by supporting initiatives that promote our rich traditions and ensure that Nigeria’s diverse cultures remain a source of strength.

“It is also noteworthy that Oyo State remains a priority in our Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in areas such as power supply, road networks, and agricultural development.

“Our administration is focused on youth empowerment and education, recognizing the need to develop and crystallize the potential of our youth.

“We will continue to engage our youths positively by creating opportunities in technology, entrepreneurship, and vocational training. Most importantly, the government is committed to working with traditional rulers to ensure the safety of all citizens.

“To the great people of Oyo, I urge you to rally behind your new Alaafin, support his vision, and uphold the values of peace, tolerance, and development. Let us remember the words of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi II: “A kingdom thrives when its people are united in purpose.

“As the new Alaafin, you stand on the threshold of history as the successor to Oba Adeyemi III, one of the most influential and longest-reigning monarchs in Yoruba history.

“His reign marked a period of cultural renaissance, political influence, and socio-economic development for Oyo Town, Oyo State, and the Yoruba nation at large.

“Oba Adeyemi III was a fierce custodian of Yoruba traditions and worked tirelessly to revive ancient festivals such as the Oranyan Festival, Isese Day, and the Ogun Festival, thus reinforcing Yoruba identity. He strengthened ties with the diaspora, particularly in Brazil and Cuba, where Yoruba culture remains vibrant.

“Oba Adeyemi III played a pivotal role in preserving Oyo’s cultural heritage, laying the groundwork for its UNESCO recognition. He championed the documentation of Oyo’s history and restored ancient sites like the Alaafin’s Palace and the Oranyan Staff.

“His advocacy attracted scholars and policymakers, highlighting Oyo’s global significance. Collaborating with Nigerian authorities, he pushed for UNESCO’s acknowledgement of Oyo as a cultural heritage site, emphasizing its role in the Yoruba empire and trans-Atlantic history. Although formal recognition is still pending, his efforts cemented Oyo’s place in world heritage discourse. May your tenure witness unprecedented development and peace in Oyo.

“As you mount the throne of your forebears, we recognize that the Alaafin of Oyo is not just a traditional ruler but also a key figure who is expected to serve as a bridge between traditional institutions and modern governance.

“The Alaafin is expected to play a mediatory role in conflicts and various communal disputes. Most importantly, as the Alaafin, you are more than a king; you are also a symbol of Yoruba resilience, wisdom, and pride.”

While officially presenting the instruments and staff of office to the Alaafin, Governor Seyi Makinde, who mainly spoke in Yoruba language said, the choice of Oba Owoade was not influenced by the kingmakers as due process was duly followed:

“We have all witnessed the official coronation of his Imperial Majesty, the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1,” he said.

“The choice of new Alaafin was not influenced by the kingmakers as due process was duly followed.

“All those who approached me to advocate for someone were not chosen by Ifa. The individual selected by Ifa and the people of Oyo is the one whose coronation took place today.

“When they came to me, I investigated and discovered that they had taken money. I refused to participate in something I could not defend before my creator.

“We will never lose our way. Oyo Ile, as we fondly refer to this ancient town, is one of the oldest civilizations in Yoruba History.

“We will continue to play a pivotal role in the development of our dear state,” Makinde said.

In his address, Oba Owoade emphasised the importance of synergy and cooperation among the people of Oyo, both at home and in the diaspora, for sustainable economic growth and transformation of the historic town.

“There is strength in unity. We must work together with honesty and focus to bring our sons and daughters back home, not just to ask why things are done a certain way, but to be part of building a greater Oyo,” he said.

The new monarch pledged his unwavering support to the people of Oyo, assuring them of a reign built on inclusiveness, service, and development.

He vowed to use his wealth of experience and influence to attract investments and transformative projects to the town.

Oba Owoade also expressed deep appreciation to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for approving his nomination, and thanked all stakeholders who played vital roles in his emergence, including traditional chiefs and royal fathers.

Notably, Oba Owoade had earlier received his instrument and staff of office on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.

He completed the mandatory 21-day traditional rites known as Oro Ipebi on Saturday, March 29, paving the way for Saturday’s grand ceremony.

The event was graced by a host of high-profile personalities including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu;

The coronation marked a significant moment in the history of the Alaafin stool, following the passing of the revered Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in April 2022.