BREAKING: Oba Owoade crowned Alaafin of Oyo

Oba Abimbola Owoade has been crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.

Owoade succeeds the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who died on April 22, 2022, at 83.

The coronation took place at Olivet Baptist High School in Oyo, where Governor Seyi Makinde led a host of dignitaries, including notable Nigerians.

The coronation happened barely three years after the last monarch, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, joined his ancestors.

Some of the dignitaries at the event include: Statistician General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer, National Bureau of Statistic, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran; Wife of Oyo Governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde; Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal; Deputy Osun Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; Chief of Staff to the Ondo Governor who represented the Governor, Prince Olusegun Omojuwa; Oyo Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin and Senator Monsurat Sunmonu among other top government functionaries.

President Bola Tinubu was represented by Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.

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, ascends the throne after the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.

Who is the Alaafin?

Diaspora Digital Media understands that the Alaafin is the paramount ruler and monarch of the Oyo Empire, a traditional kingdom in southwestern Nigeria. The title “Alaafin” means “owner of the palace” and is a revered position that dates back to the 14th century.

The Alaafin is considered the spiritual and cultural leader of the Yoruba people, and is believed to possess divine powers.

The monarch is responsible for maintaining the cultural and traditional heritage of the kingdom, as well as promoting peace, stability, and prosperity among the people.

The Alaafin is also the custodian of the kingdom’s history, customs, and values, and plays a significant role in the governance and administration of the Oyo Empire.

Throughout history, the Alaafin has been a symbol of unity, wisdom, and leadership, with many regarding the monarch as a father figure and a unifying force among the Yoruba people.

The Alaafin’s palace serves as a center of cultural and spiritual significance, where important rituals, ceremonies, and festivals are performed.

The Alaafin’s role extends beyond the kingdom’s borders, as the monarch is also a respected figure in Nigerian society. The Alaafin has been involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting peace, stability, and development in the region, and has worked closely with government officials and other stakeholders to address key challenges facing the community.

Despite the evolution of traditional institutions over time, the Alaafin remains an important figure in Yoruba culture and tradition. The monarch continues to play a vital role in preserving the kingdom’s heritage and promoting the welfare of its people. As a result, the Alaafin remains a highly respected and revered figure in Nigerian society, with many looking up to the monarch for guidance and leadership. The Alaafin’s legacy continues to endure, with the monarch remaining a powerful symbol of Yoruba culture and tradition.

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