Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved Prince Abimbola Owoade as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, putting an end to months of speculation over the successor to the esteemed throne, which had been vacant since the death of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in 2022.

Dotun Oyelade, the Oyo state commissioner for information and orientation, made the announcement in a statement on Friday, stating that Mr Owoade was chosen after extensive consultations and traditional divinations conducted by the Oyo kingmakers, the Oyomesi.

“Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the new Alaafin of Oyo,” the statement read.

It added, “This decision has put to rest all the socio-legal controversies that have arisen since the transition of the late Oba Adeyemi. We urge the people of Oyo State to support the new Alaafin and join the government in celebrating this historic moment.”

Below are seven important facts about the new Alaafin:

1. Mr Owoade was born into the royal family of Owoade-Agunloye in Oyo. He is a descendant of Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade of the Agure Compound.
2. The new Alaafin completed his secondary education at Baptist High School, Saki, Oyo State, in 1992. He then proceeded to study Mechanical Engineering at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro (1994-1997), earning a National Diploma, and later obtained a Higher National Diploma in the same course from the Polytechnic, Ibadan (1999-2001).
3. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sunderland in 2008 and a Master of Science from Northumbria University in 2012.
4. After completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), he worked temporarily at Oceanic Bank International Plc in Warri (2003-2004) as a teller.
5. He served as a planning engineer at Oil Reach Company in Glasgow before relocating to Canada. Currently, he is the project coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, a company renowned for providing utility services.
6. Mr Owoade is reputed for his initiatives aimed at empowering people, including widows. He also actively participates in several Yoruba cultural organisations abroad, highlighting his unbridled affinity for Yoruba cultural values and ethos.
7. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, steadfastness, and loyalty throughout his career. His wealth of experience is a unique trait people are looking forward to as he ascends the throne.