The ancient city of Oyo witnessed a historic transition of power as Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I was formally crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, succeeding the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III who passed away on April 22, 2022, after a remarkable 52-year reign. The coronation of the 47-year-old monarch marks not just a changing of the guard but the beginning of a new chapter for one of Yorubaland’s most revered traditional institutions.
From Engineering to Royalty: The Unlikely Path of a Modern Monarch
Oba Owoade’s journey to the throne reads like a script from a Nollywood epic – a tale of destiny intersecting with modern achievement. Born into the prominent Owoade-Agunloye royal family in Oyo Town, the new Alaafin’s early life gave little indication he would one day occupy the revered stool. His educational trajectory took him from Baptist High School in Saki to mechanical engineering studies at Federal Polytechnic Ilaro and The Polytechnic, Ibadan, before crossing continents for further education in the United Kingdom.
The monarch’s professional background is as cosmopolitan as it is impressive. After completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with the Nigeria Gas Company in 2002, he worked briefly as a cashier at Oceanic Bank before furthering his studies at the University of Sunderland and Northumbria University in the UK. His career then took him to Canada, where he became a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and served as Planning Engineer at Oil Reach Company in Glasgow before rising to become Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, one of Canada’s largest utility providers.
A Monarch for the Modern Age
What makes Oba Owoade’s ascension particularly significant is how it bridges tradition and modernity. Unlike many traditional rulers who ascend the throne after decades in royal courts, the new Alaafin brings a wealth of international experience and technical expertise to the ancient stool. His background as an entrepreneur (he owns real estate and financial services businesses in Canada) and philanthropist suggests a reign that will likely emphasize economic empowerment and technological advancement alongside cultural preservation.
This is not your typical monarch,” observed Professor Adeleke Adeeko of the Department of African Studies at the University of Ibadan. Oba Owoade represents a new breed of traditional rulers who combine deep respect for culture with global exposure and professional accomplishment. His reign could redefine what it means to be a 21st century Alaafin.
The Weight of History and Expectations
The new Alaafin assumes the throne at a critical juncture in Yoruba history. He follows in the footsteps of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, whose five-decade reign witnessed tremendous social and political changes in Nigeria. The late monarch was renowned for his intellectual depth, political acumen, and unwavering commitment to Yoruba cultural identity – qualities that made him one of Nigeria’s most influential traditional rulers.
Oba Owoade’s immediate challenges will include navigating the complex relationship between traditional institutions and modern governance, addressing youth unemployment in Oyo State, and maintaining the Alaafin’s historical role as a unifying figure in Yorubaland. His international experience may prove particularly valuable in attracting diaspora investment and fostering cross-cultural exchanges.
Coronation Ceremony: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
The coronation ceremony itself reflected this blend of old and new. While traditional rites like the 21-day seclusion (Ipebi) were strictly observed, the presence of government officials, business leaders, and academics at the event signaled the evolving role of traditional institutions in national development.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who presented the staff of office to the new monarch, emphasized the importance of maintaining the dignity of traditional institutions while adapting to contemporary realities. The Alaafin’s stool is not just about preserving the past,” Makinde noted, “but about guiding our people into a prosperous future.
As Oba Owoade settles into his new role, all eyes will be on how he balances his global perspective with local expectations. Early indications suggest a focus on education and youth empowerment, with palace sources hinting at potential scholarship programs and skills acquisition initiatives.
The monarch’s engineering background may also influence his approach to community development. I expect we’ll see more technically-driven solutions to local problems,” speculated Chief Adebayo Williams, a prominent Oyo chief. “This is someone who understands infrastructure, energy systems, and project management. That knowledge could transform how the palace engages with development issues.”
For the people of Oyo and Yorubaland at large, the ascension of Oba Owoade represents both continuity and change. While maintaining the sacred traditions of the Alaafin stool, the new monarch brings a distinctly modern perspective to one of Africa’s most historic royal positions.
As the sun sets on his first week as Alaafin, one thing is clear: the ancient city of Oyo has a 21st century king for a 21st century world. How this plays out in the coming years will be one of Nigeria’s most fascinating cultural stories to watch.
