Oba Owoade was crowned as 46th Alaafin as Tinubu was seeks support for the monarch

Photo from punch news

The oyo town entirely came to life on saturday as high rank across the whole Nigerian converged  to witness the coronation of King Akeem Owoade as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.

Some of the high rank at the coronation included His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was present again by the Minister of Power, Oloye Adebayo Adelabu; Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Seyi Makinde; the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin; our former Deputy Governor, Taofeek Arapaja; and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Chief Gani Adams. 

THE Royalties, like Oni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi Ojaja1; the Sultan of Sokot, Sa'ad Abubakar; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulosheed Akanbi; Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola; Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye; and Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Rafiu Ariwoola, joined the grandeur and cultural depth to the occasion.

The coronation was held at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo Town, which was marked as a new chapter for the whole Oyo Town in the rich history of the whole Oyo Empire, following the passing of the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who was deceased in April 2022.

The staff of the office had earlier been nearby to Oba Owoade by Makinde at the Governor's office in Ibadan, the state capital, in January.

The new Alaafin of Oyo, who has already completed the compulsory 21-day traditional rites known as oro ipebi on the last Saturday of March, 29th.

The speaker of the event, President Tinubu, explained the Alaafin of Oyo as a symbol of cultural dignity, unity, and the persistent legacy of one of Africa's powerful empires.

Tinubu acknowledged that the throne is not just a seat or mere position of authority but a living institution that embodies Yoruba history, value, and objectives. He also said as the Alaafin, the Emperor ruler, has always been the guardian of its traditions, the merging force of the Yoruba people, and the overpass between the bygone, present, and future. 

"Kabiyesi oo iku baba yeye, your ascent to the esteemed throne was coincident at a critical time in our nation's history. Nigeria is really navigating complex issues, and traditional institutions like the Alaafin's step stool remain vital in nurturing peace, promoting cultural identity, and sustaining governance.

"The Mr. President has always held the new Alaafin in high esteem, acknowledging the role of traditional ruler in nation-building. As we presume this revered responsibility, we are confident that your knowledge, wisdom, leadership, and dedication will continue to fortify the harmony and advancement of the Oyo Kingdom and Nigeria at large.

"This historic occasion is not just a source of joy for the good people of the ancient city but for the entire Yoruba nation and Nigeria as a whole. The throne of Alaafin is a symbol of cultural pride, unity, and the enduring legacy of one of Africa's most powerful empires."

"This momentous event today is significant for a number of reasons. The Oyo empire was once the political and military capital of the Yoruba nation that was renowned for its sophistication in administration, military prowess, and cultural extent", the president stated.

Tinubu therefore called on the people of the ancient city to unite behind the new Alaafin, support his vision, and uphold the virtues of peace, tolerance, and development.

The president believed that the wisdom, leadership, and dedication of the new Alaafin would further strengthen the unity and progress of Oyo Kingdom and Nigeria at large.

He urged the Alaafin to act as a mediator in disputes and other communal differences, saying, "You are more than a king; you are also a symbol of Yoruba resilience, wisdom, and pride."

Makinde, while presenting the new king to the mammoth crowd, stated, "On the 10th of January, 2025, I signed for the recommendation of Oyo Mesi for Oba Akeem Owoade to be a new Alaafin of Oyo. And on the 13th of January, 2025, I presented a certificate of office to our Kabiyesi. I have done my part since then, but today, I officially present to the entire world the Alaafin of Oyo."

"All those who said they have not been told or heard or are running up and down should turn and see the new Alaafin of Oyo."

Oba Owoade, in his acceptance speech, thanked everyone for their unwavering support.

The newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has laid out an agenda for the Oyo Kingdom of old, promising to place youth empowerment, infrastructure development, and the preservation of Yoruba language and culture at the top of his priorities.

Oba Owoade was crowned in Oyo town on Saturday, marking the beginning of a new era following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.

In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune on Saturday, the monarch declared that his reign would be focused on consolidating the well-being of his subjects, particularly through addressing youth unemployment and building public infrastructure.

"How to get our teeming youths gainfully employed and off the street is uppermost in our minds. They are our today and our future. They deserve skills and jobs," he averred.

He made announcements of providing vocational skills to the youth and the disadvantaged with an emphasis on self-employment and digital entrepreneurship such as cybersecurity. 

"These people would be well-trained and would not need to go abroad but would be able to work from the corner of their bedrooms and be able to earn a living," he added. 

The Alaafin also made a commitment to collaborate with the government to develop infrastructure in Oyo and its environs.

"I will work closely with the government on the need to improve the condition of public facilities, amenities, and infrastructure such as schools and roads," he added.

"I vow to always be for you as you have always been for me," he pledged