On Saturday, the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, was in the cultural city of Oyo to attend the historic coronation ceremony of the new Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, Elewu Etu I. Accompanied by over a hundred traditional rulers from Osun State and beyond, the Ooni graced the occasion with his presence. The newly coronated Alaafin was officially presented with the staff of office by Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, in January 2025, after a selection process led by the Ifa Oracle.
Governor Seyi Makinde, during his speech at the event, emphasized the legitimacy of the transition. He referred to the January 10, 2025, approval of the Ifa Oracle’s selection and the subsequent January 13 staff-of-office presentation, stating these actions ensured a smooth and rightful passage of leadership in Oyo. “I officially present to the entire world, the Alaafin of Oyo. Those who said they haven’t heard or seen should come around and witness the new Alaafin,” he declared.
The newly coronated Alaafin, in his address, called on the people of Oyo to reject “vendetta, persecution, and acrimony,” emphasizing that these divisive forces only hinder progress. He urged citizens and residents to promote unity and peace, stressing that communal harmony is a shared responsibility. “Peace creates an enabling environment for human capital formation and infrastructure development,” he added, reinforcing the need for collective effort in fostering growth in the kingdom.
Ooni Ogunwusi, in his remarks to the press, congratulated the new Alaafin and the people of Oyo. He expressed his warm wishes for the success of Oba Owoade’s reign and called on other royal contestants to join hands with the new monarch for the development of Oyo, which holds great cultural significance in Yorubaland. The Ooni, who is also the Co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), assured Oba Owoade of the full support and cooperation of all monarchs from Yorubaland and across Nigeria. He emphasized that the new Alaafin must work with all his subjects, including the Oyomesi and his fellow royal contestants, for the betterment of the kingdom.
“The new Alaafin was predestined to rule over Oyo. He was chosen by the Almighty Olodumare through Ifa divination, and we are all pleased with the outcome. Now that he has emerged victorious from several princes who also sought to be selected, the best way he can govern is to be magnanimous in victory and allow everyone to collaborate in the development of this ancient city, which is known for its rich cultural heritage,” Ooni Ogunwusi remarked.
The event was attended by numerous esteemed monarchs, including the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Ayotunde Olabomi JP; the Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Akanbi Adediran; the Alawo of Awon, Oba Taiwo Ajibade Adegboye; the Onigbayevof Igbaye, Oba Joseph Okunola Oni; the Salu of Edunabon, Oba Adesoji Kehinde Oladepo JP; and many others.
Also present were prominent figures such as the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewuyi, Senator Munsurat Sumonu, Senator Yunus Akintunde (representing Oyo Central Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly), Honourable Akeem Adeyemi (representing Afijio, Oyo East, Oyo West, and Atiba Federal Constituency), the Are Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, Sultan of Sokoto His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo, among others.
This momentous event marked not only the coronation of a new king but also the beginning of a new chapter for Oyo Kingdom, one rooted in unity, peace, and development.