Makinde Officially Presents Oba Akeem Owoade as the New Alaafin of Oyo

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has formally introduced Oba Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo to a large audience at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo. The event, which took place on Saturday, was a significant moment for both the Oyo Kingdom and the state.

In his speech, Governor Makinde recounted the process that led to the ascension of Oba Owoade to the revered throne. He explained that on January 10, 2025, he signed the recommendation of the Oyo Mesi for Oba Akeem Owoade to be appointed as the new Alaafin. Three days later, on January 13, he officially presented a certificate of office to the monarch. The governor went on to say, “I have done my work since, but today, I officially present to the entire world, the Alaafin of Oyo.” He further addressed those who might not have been informed, urging them to come forward and witness the official unveiling of the new monarch.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Owoade expressed his gratitude to everyone who had supported him throughout the process. He assured the gathering of his commitment to the people, saying, “I promise to always be for you just as you have always been for me.”

The event attracted several distinguished dignitaries, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, the Orile-Igbon of Ilegbon, Oba Francis Alao, the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola, and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams. Other notable figures included Senator Yunus Akintunde, who represents Oyo Central, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, and the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi. The event also saw the presence of the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, and the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, among other notable figures.

The ceremony, which was attended by a large crowd of well-wishers and dignitaries, marks the beginning of a new era for the Oyo Kingdom. The presentation of Oba Owoade as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo underscores the significance of the royal institution in the region and its cultural and historical importance to the Yoruba people.