In a historic decision, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo. The announcement follows the endorsement of the Oyomesi, the traditional council responsible for selecting the revered monarch.
Prince Owoade, a descendant of the royal Owoade-Agunloye family of Oyo, brings a blend of rich cultural heritage and modern expertise to the ancient stool. He is the son of the late Pa Rasaki Ibiyosi Owoade.
The newly appointed Alaafin boasts impressive academic and professional credentials. He attended Baptist High School, Saki, and earned a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, between 1994 and 1997. He furthered his education with a Higher National Diploma from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, in 2001.
Expanding his academic journey overseas, Prince Owoade earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sunderland in 2008 and a Master of Science degree from Northumbria University in 2012.
Professionally, Prince Owoade began his career as a Planning Engineer at Oil Reach Company in Glasgow, United Kingdom. He is currently a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro in Canada and serves as the president of 100279 Manitoba Limited, a company specializing in real estate and financial services.
The Oyomesi reportedly conducted extensive consultations and divinations before recommending Prince Owoade to Governor Makinde. His appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Oyo Kingdom, one of Nigeria’s most prominent traditional institutions.
Prince Abimbola Owoade succeeds Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, who reigned for over five decades until his passing in 2022. His ascension to the throne has been greeted with excitement and anticipation for a prosperous era in Oyo Kingdom.
