The ancient town of Oyo in Oyo State is preparing to make history as Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade will officially be crowned as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo on Friday, April 4, 2025. This long-awaited event is expected to be a momentous occasion for the town and the entire Yoruba kingdom, as the new monarch is poised to assume his revered position as the custodian of Yoruba cultural heritage and traditions.
According to reports, Oba Owoade’s coronation will not only mark the beginning of his reign but also serve as a significant cultural celebration for the Yoruba people. The event will reinforce his role as the leader of one of the most important cultural centers in Nigeria. Sources close to the preparations have revealed that extensive arrangements are underway for the ceremony, with special committees comprising representatives from both the Alaafin’s palace and the Oyo State Government. These teams are dedicated to ensuring that the coronation will be a grand and seamless affair, steeped in the rich traditions of the Yoruba people.
As part of the coronation process, Oba Owoade will undergo a series of traditional seclusion rites, known as the Alaafin Rituals, which are deeply rooted in Yoruba culture and spirituality. These sacred rites are designed to prepare the new monarch physically, mentally, and spiritually for the immense responsibility that comes with being the Alaafin, a position that holds great reverence in the hearts of the Yoruba people.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State formally approved Oba Owoade’s nomination on Friday, January 10, 2025, following a rigorous selection process. In a symbolic gesture, the governor officially presented the staff of office and other ceremonial instruments to Oba Owoade on Monday, January 13, 2025. This act marked the beginning of the new monarch’s reign, and it set in motion the final preparations for his upcoming coronation in April. The announcement has been met with widespread excitement and anticipation from the people of Oyo and beyond, as they look forward to the grand event that will celebrate both their new king and the rich cultural legacy of the Yoruba people.
