- Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, has shared his remarkable story of becoming the monarch of the historic Yoruba kingdom.
- The king, in an interview with Nigerian Tribune, shared his remarkable and humble journey to the throne.
- Oba Owoade’s ascension to Oyo’s throne was influenced by the sacred Ifa divination process, a significant aspect of Yoruba culture.
Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, has shared the incredible story of his unexpected ascension to the throne of the historic Yoruba kingdom.
In an exclusive interview with Nigerian Tribune, the king revealed how his path to the revered position was guided by the sacred process of Ifa divination, a significant tradition in Yoruba culture.
His rise to the throne came as a surprise, especially since it wasn’t influenced by political maneuvering or family connections. Oba Owoade recounted how he first learned of his selection while in Canada, far from the political and cultural buzz of Nigeria.
Describing the moment he received the news, the monarch recalled checking his phone to find a message from his younger brother. The message contained a link with the headline: “Governor Makinde approves Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as Alaafin-elect.” Oba Owoade expressed his surprise and humility at receiving such significant news while abroad.
“It was a moment I never expected. To learn about such an important development in my life while in Canada was surreal, and I’m grateful to God and to the people of Oyo for their trust,” he said.
Oba Owoade also emphasized the importance of tradition in his selection, expressing gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for ensuring that the process remained free from political influence. He noted that respect for Yoruba traditions was crucial to preserving the legitimacy of his ascension to the throne.
Addressing rumors about extravagant spending during his selection, Oba Owoade clarified that the gifts he gave were in line with customary Yoruba traditions, stressing that his rise to the throne was not due to financial influence but rooted in cultural integrity and divine direction.
Part of Oba Owoade’s journey to the throne included the Ipebi, a traditional seclusion period for the Alaafin-elect. During this time, he deepened his understanding of Oyo’s rich history, its politics, and Yoruba culture. He recalled how traditional historians shared stories about Oyo and Yorubaland, providing him with invaluable lessons.
“The Ipebi period taught me a lot of lessons. It was a place of lifelong learning. I learned about the politics of Oyo and the greater Yoruba culture,” he explained.
Looking forward, Oba Owoade expressed his dedication to the people of Oyo and his commitment to continuing the legacies of past Alaafins, particularly the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who reigned for over five decades.
He pledged to foster unity and good governance in Oyo, emphasizing that, with the cooperation of the people, the kingdom could thrive.
“I believe that, with the people’s cooperation, we can cover miles because Agbajo owo ni a fi n so’ya, owo kan o gb’eru d’ori. I embrace all religions. The Yoruba say Iwa l’esin. Your connection with your God matters more than the number of times you display religiosity,” Oba Owoade remarked.
Oba Owoade’s ascension marks the beginning of a new chapter in the rich history of the Oyo Kingdom. As he succeeds the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the newly crowned monarch.
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