46th Alaafin of Oyo Installed: Oba Owoade’s Coronation Marks New Era
By Adewale Owoade
Oba Abimbola Owoade has been crowned 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 Olivet Baptist High School in Oyo, was attended by a large gathering of dignitaries, traditional rulers, politicians, and citizens from across Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking at the event, the representative of President Bola Tinubu, who is also the Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, congratulated Oba Owoade.
Stated further that the throne of the Alaafin “is a symbol of cultural pride, unity and the enduring legacy of one of Africa’s most powerful empires.
“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.
“To the great people of Oyo, l urge you to rally behind your new Alaafin,
support his vision, and uphold the values of peace, tolerance, and development.
“For the Alaafin, As you ascend the throne of your forefathers, I pray that the foundation laidbby your predecessors will continue to guide the kingdom’s future.”
In his speech the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde called on Oba Owoade to work hard for the progress of Oyo, assuring that the state government would continue to play a vital role in ensuring the growth and development of the state and promoting Oyo’s World Sango Festival as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.
“I want to say congratulations once again to the people of Oyo Kingdom. Your patience and resilience have paid off and this is why today has become a reality.
“Today, the people of Oyo State can be proud again that we have a new Kabiyesi that represents the interest of our people and that of our ancestors.
“Let me use this opportunity to urge the Kabiyesi and the Oyomesi to work together to ensure that the tradition around the ascension of Kabiyesi remains sacrosanct.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Owoade called for shared responsibilities, cordial relationships and unity among the communities to foster a sense of belonging, overcome challenges.
And ultimately pave the way for progress, growth and expansion of the economy for Oyo kingdom in particular and that of the state in general .
Present at the historic event were the representatives of the governors of Osun and Ondo states.
A wide array of traditional rulers across the country, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, among others
