Ahead of his coronation, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade,has urged both the indigenes and residents of the ancient city to celebrate with moderation.
The new monarch reminded them that beating the drums of vendetta, persecution, and acrimony are ill wind that will not blow any good.
Oba Owoade, who was presented with the staff of office and instrument of office on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, ascends the throne after the late Oba Adeyemi passed away.
He completed the compulsory 21-day traditional rites known as Oro Ipebi last Saturday, March 29 while the coronation ceremony holds tomorrow, Saturday April 5, 2025 at Oliveth Baptist High School, Oyo.
A statement on Friday by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, said, “Oba Owoade urges the people to celebrate with moderation. Beating the drums of vendetta, persecution and acrimony are ill wind that will not blow any good.
“Promoting peace and communal unity is a collective responsibility of every indigene of the ancient town.
”Peace and unity are important tools for community development, as peace is a fundamental asset to building personal growth, community development and robust institutions.
“Peace creates an enabling environment for human capital formation, and infrastructural development. The time to build a robust, sustainable and formidable communal unity is now.
“As individuals, let us promote peace within our town and environs by encouraging good relationships.” Durojaye quoted Oba Owoade in the statement.
Meanwhile, all is now set for the coronation of Owoade, as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.
Born 47 years ago to a prominent and royal family of Owoade-Agunloye in Oyo town, Oyo State, the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Owoade, is one of Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade, Agure Compound, in the ancient city.
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He completed his Secondary School education at Baptist High School, Saki.
His father worked with Oyo North Agricultural Development Programme, helping Oke-Ogun Community in boosting Agricultural Productivity.
The Alaafin studied Mechanical Engineering at Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro in Ogun State at National Diploma, from 1994-1997 and Higher National Diploma at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State from 1999-2001.
He did his NYSC with Nigeria Gas Company as Mechanical Intern/Planner in 2002. He worked with Oceanic Bank International Plc in Warri as a Cashier from 2003-2004.
Owoade attended University of Sunderland (2008) and Northumbria University (2012) from where he earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering respectively.
The Alaafin became Certified in Project Management in June, 2015 (PMP holder). He held a Planning Engineering position at Oil Reach Company, Glasgow, United Kingdom for some years before moving to Canada.
He was, until the royal mantle fell on his shoulder, the Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, Canada, one of the largest electric power and natural gas utility providers in Canada.
He is a Nigerian and Canadian Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and President Manitoba Limited and owns a real estate investment and financial services business in Manitoba, Canada.
According to Durojaiye, hotels and guest houses have been fully booked for guests, while posters and billboards of the new Alaafin adorned every nook and cranny of the town.
“Virtually all township roads are being rehabilitated to make them motorable for invited guests who will attend the historic event as residents are in high spirits amid pomp and pageantry in the motorcade around the town.
“At the Olivet Baptist High School, main venue of the coronation ceremony, special canopies for the invited guests are being erected, while security arrangements are in top gear.
“Apart from the popular Akesan market that will be under lock and key for the event, all other markets in and around the town will also follow suit.”
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