By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade was, on Saturday, crowned by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo in the ancient Oyo town.
The governor,in his speech on the occasion, explained that nobody lobbied him to make the new monarch the preferred candidate for the exalted position, quashing talk in some quarters that influence-peddlers manipulated their way through.
Owoade became the Alaafin after the demise of the 45th Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who joined his ancestors on April 22, 2022.
The certificate and staff of office had earlier been presented to the new monarch by Gov. Makinde in January.
Oba Owoade completed the compulsory 21-day traditional rites known as Oro Ipebi last Saturday.
The coronation ceremony took place at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo.
Among the dignitaries at the ceremony were President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu; the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, represented by the Balogun Olubadan, Oba Kolawole Abimbola; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Olaoye Ghandi; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; wife of the state governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde; wife of the new Alaafin, Olori Abiwumi Owoade; and the Aare Oona Kankanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams.
Others were the Senator representing Oyo Central, Dr. Yunnus Akintunde; his predecessor, Senator Minsurat Sunmonu; the Baba Adini of Yorubaland, Dr. Daud Makanjuola; Odun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, represented by his deputy, Kola Adewumi; and Professor Wande Abimbola, among others.
There were also representatives of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E. A. Adeboye; top government functionaries as well as ambassadors of different countries in attendance.
Oba Owoade, in his speech, promised to use the throne for the development of Oyo town, the state and the entire Yoruba race.
