Throne Reclaimed: Oba Owoade Officially Crowned Alaafin OF Oyo Amid Royal Grandeur

Oba Abimbola Owoade Officially Crowned as 46th Alaafin of Oyo....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Oba Abimbola Owoade has been formally crowned as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, taking over from the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who passed away on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.

The coronation ceremony took place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Olivet Baptist High School in Oyo. The event was graced by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, alongside several distinguished personalities from across the country.

Among the dignitaries present were the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams.

Oba Owoade had earlier received the staff and instrument of office on January 13, 2025, in a ceremony held at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan. Prior to his coronation, he successfully completed the traditional 21-day Oro Ipebi rites on March 29.

Makinde Speaks on Sharia Law Concerns in Oyo

In a separate development, Governor Seyi Makinde addressed growing concerns about the possible implementation of Sharia Law in parts of the South-West, including Oyo State.

Speaking during the 2025 Iftar Programme hosted by the Oyo State Government—the sixth such event since he assumed office in 2019—Makinde clarified his position on the matter. The event was held at the front of the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

Reacting to recent media reports suggesting that the state government intended to challenge the initiative in court, Makinde emphasized that his administration would not oppose any move that aligns with the Nigerian Constitution. He noted that any citizen wishing to seek redress through a Sharia panel is free to do so, as such panels could serve as alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

However, he reaffirmed that constitutional courts remain the ultimate authority for resolving disputes and assured that his government would always uphold constitutional values.

Makinde reiterated his commitment to promoting religious harmony and unity in Oyo State, stating that attempts to stir religious conflict for political gain would not be tolerated. He emphasized that his administration is focused on long-term development for the benefit of both present and future generations.