In a vivid display of pageantry and tradition, Oba Abdulakeem Abimbola Owoade (I) was installed on April 6 as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, reaffirming a lineage that stretches back to one of West Africa’s greatest pre‑colonial empires before the brutal british conquest broke its back.
The coronation of the 46th Alaafin, held at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo town, drew political heavyweights, traditional rulers and international envoys, underscoring the enduring cultural resonance of the Alaafin’s stool in contemporary Nigeria.
The Oyo Empire, which rose to prominence between the 17th and 19th centuries, once commanded vast territories across what is now southwestern Nigeria and beyond. As its supreme ruler, the Alaafin wielded both political and spiritual authority, presiding over an elaborate system of checks and balances that included the powerful Oyo Mesi council. Today, while the Alaafin’s role is largely ceremonial, it remains a potent symbol of Yoruba unity, identity and resilience.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who officiated the unveiling of the 46th Alaafin, Oba Owoade I, pledged unwavering support for the autonomy of traditional institutions. In his keynote address, he recalled attempts by some to subvert the selection process, only to be rebuffed by the oracle of Ifa, which ultimately guided the kingmakers to their candidate. “When they brought me the first selection and a candidate prematurely declared himself, I investigated and discovered bribery. I asked my conscience if the Alaafin’s stool was for sale—and I said no,” Governor Makinde declared, urging all stakeholders to respect due process in future successions.
Representing President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Power Chief Bayo Adelabu lauded the Alaafin’s stool as “vital in fostering peace, promoting cultural identity, and supporting governance” at a time when Nigeria navigates complex economic and security challenges.
Their messages resonated in a ceremony punctuated by drumming, praise‑singing and the vibrant regalia of the Oyo Mesi and other royal delegations.
Among the distinguished guests were the the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar; and the representatives of the ambassadors of Portugal, Brazil and Spain. Their presence highlighted Oyo’s historical ties—stretching from trans‑Saharan trade to early contacts with European traders—and its contemporary relevance of pre-colonial history on the global stage.
In his acceptance speech, the 46th Alaafin, Oba Owoade (I) called for “shared responsibilities, cordial relationships and unity among our communities” to spur progress and economic growth in Oyo State. He emphasized the importance of collective action to harness the region’s tourism potential, from the ruins of Old Oyo National Park to the UNESCO‑recognized World Sango Festival, an annual celebration of the thunder god that draws visitors from across Africa and the diaspora.
Lawmakers and local leaders, including Hon. Akin Alabi of the Egbeda/Ona‑Ara Federal Constituency, hailed the coronation as the dawn of a new era. “We are optimistic that his reign will usher in peace, progress and prosperity for the sons and daughters of this ancient town, both at home and abroad,” Alabi remarked, reflecting the hopes of a diaspora keen to reconnect with its ancestral roots.
As the 46th Alaafin, Oba Abdulakeem Abimbola Owoade I assumes the mantle of Alaafin, his ascension is more than a ceremonial formality—it is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Oyo Kingdom. In a nation of dynamic change, the Alaafin’s throne remains a living link to a storied past, and a beacon for future generations seeking to balance tradition with the demands of modern governance.
