The local organizing committee for the coronation of Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade II, the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, has released a detailed schedule of events spanning two weeks. The festivities, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Oyo Kingdom, are set to take place from Monday, March 31, 2025, to Saturday, April 12, 2025.
The central coronation ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025, will mark the official commencement of Oba Owoade’s reign, following the completion of traditional rites.
Pre-Coronation Events
The celebrations will begin with a Cultural Carnival Parade on March 31, showcasing Yoruba art, music, and dance. This will be followed by an opening ceremony featuring cultural and state dignitaries, and exhibitions that will continue until April 4.
The week’s activities will emphasize culture, education, and environmental awareness, including a three-phase tree-planting campaign starting April 1, a public lecture and colloquium with renowned scholars, and a coronation quiz competition for youth.
On April 3, the coronation football competition will conclude, and development projects initiated by Prince Akeem in honor of Oba Abimbola Owoade II will be inaugurated.
Coronation Day
The Grand Coronation, the highlight of the schedule, will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at multiple venues in Oyo to accommodate the expected guests, including government officials, traditional rulers, and dignitaries from across Nigeria and the diaspora. The public celebration of traditional rites, recently completed by Oba Owoade, will blend royal customs with modern festivities. Exclusive receptions and cultural performances will add to the grandeur of the occasion.
Post-Coronation Activities
The celebrations will continue with a series of thanksgiving services for the diverse religious communities of Oyo. A Christian thanksgiving service is scheduled for April 6 at Michael Anglican Cathedral, followed by a Jumat prayer at the Central Mosque, Oja, on April 11. Traditional worshippers will hold their thanksgiving on April 12 at the Isese Compound in Oyo.
A free eye test campaign and distribution of eyeglasses will take place on April 7, symbolizing the Alaafin’s commitment to social welfare.
Alaafin Owoade’s Path to the Throne
The Alaafin stool had been vacant since the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in April 2022. Oba Abimbola Owoade was selected after extensive consultations among the Oyomesi and other kingmakers, and he received his staff of office from Governor Seyi Makinde on January 13, 2025. Oba Owoade’s installation followed traditional rites, emphasizing the spiritual and cultural significance of the Alaafin’s position.
Oba Owoade has announced his official title, signaling his readiness to uphold the traditions of the throne while leading the Oyo Kingdom toward progress and unity.
The local organizing committee has invited Oyo residents, Yoruba descendants worldwide, and well-wishers to participate in the historic celebrations.
Timeline of Coronation Activities:
Pre-Coronation Events
Monday, March 31, 2025: Cultural Carnival Parade (7:30 am – 10:00 am); Opening Ceremony (10:00 am, with exhibitions until Friday, April 4).
Tuesday, April 1, 2025: Historic Tree Planting (Phase 1, 7:30 am – 9:30 am); Public Lecture/Colloquium (10:30 am – 1:30 pm).
Wednesday, April 2, 2025: Historic Tree Planting (Phase 2, 8:00 am – 11:00 am); Coronation Quiz Competition (12:00 pm – 3:30 pm).
Thursday, April 3, 2025: Historic Tree Planting (Phase 3, 8:00 am – 11:00 am); Coronation Football Competition (Final, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm); Commissioning of Projects.
Friday, April 4, 2025: Oyo Cultural Heritage Day (10:00 am – 3:00 pm); Command Performance (5:00 pm).
Saturday April 5th 2025: Grand Coronation.
Sunday April 6th 2025: Christian Thanksgiving service.
Monday April 7th 2025: Free Eye Test Campaign and distribution of eyeglasses.
Friday April 11th 2025: Jumat prayer.
Saturday April 12th 2025: Traditional worshipers thanksgiving.
