The newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has shared details of his journey to the throne, revealing that his emergence was guided by Ifa divination and not political influence.
In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune published on April 5, the monarch recounted receiving news of his selection while in Canada. Describing the moment as both humbling and surprising, Oba Owoade highlighted the spiritual and cultural depth of the process.
He thanked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for allowing the traditional selection processes to run their course, without political interference. “I’m grateful the governor respected tradition,” he said, dismissing claims of lavish spending and insisting that only customary gifts were given.
Reflecting on his time in Ipebi — the traditional period of seclusion — the monarch described it as a life-changing experience. He said it offered him deep insights into the rich history and political fabric of Oyo and Yorubaland. “It is a place of lifelong lessons. Traditional historians came around and they told me stories about Oyo and the politics of Yorubaland in its entirety,” he noted.
Oba Owoade paid tribute to his predecessors, especially Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi III and Alaafin Ladigbolu I, pledging to uphold their legacies through good governance and unity.
He called for collective progress rooted in cultural pride and mutual respect, emphasizing the importance of character over religious appearance. “I embrace all religions. The Yoruba say Iwa l’esin — character is the real religion,” he said. “With unity, we can achieve great things because Agbajo owo la fi n so’ya, owo kan o gb’eru d’ori.”
The new Alaafin succeeds the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who ruled for over five decades until his passing on April 22, 2022.
His coronation, held on Saturday, April 5, at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, was a grand occasion attended by traditional rulers, political figures, and well-wishers from across the country.
