CITIZENS COMPASS– The 46th Alaafin of Oyo in Oyo State, Oba Abimbola Owoade, was on Saturday, crowned after fulfilling the traditional rites for the throne.
The coronation event took place on Saturday, at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, where Governor Seyi Makinde led a host of dignitaries, including notable Nigerians.
He succeeds the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who joined his ancestors on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; and Aare Oona Kankanfo of Yoruba, Iba Gani Adams, among others.
It was gathered that ahead of the event, the Oyo State Government had put in place heightened security measures, including the deployment of security operatives at strategic locations within the ancient city and surrounding communities.
Oba Owoade, who was presented with the staff of office and instrument of office on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital, ascended the throne after the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi passed away.
The new monarch completed the compulsory 21-day traditional rites known as Oro Ipebi last Saturday, March 29.
Friends and well wishers have been sending congratulatory messages to the monarch.
