By Gbenga Akintoyinbo, Ibadan
Amid glamour and display of rich cultural heritage of Yoruba people in Nigeria, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially presented the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, to the entire world at the Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo.
This came after the conclusion of the traditional rites – Ipebi and visiting of shrines of the Yoruba’s major deities, including the Sango, by Oba Owoade, days earlier.
Oba Abimbola Owoade succeeds the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who joined his ancestors on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83, thus making Oba Owoade the 46th crowned Alaafin of Oyo.
Makinde, while presenting him to the excited mammoth crowd, on Saturday, said, “On the 10th of January, 2025, I applied my signature for the recommendation of Oyo Mesi for Oba Akeem Owoade to be a new Alaafin of Oyo.
“And on the 13th of January, 2025, I presented a certificate of office to our Kabiyesi. I have done my work since, but today, I officially present to the entire world, the Alaafin of Oyo.
“Those who said they have not been told or heard or who are running up and down should come around and see the new Alaafin of Oyo.” 
•Ooni of Ife and Oba Owoade on Saturday.
On ground to witness the colourful and historical event are the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, the Orile-Igbon of Ilegbon, Francis Alao, Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola; the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams among others.
In his acceptance speech, ebullient and youthful Oba Owoade thanked everyone for their unwavering support.
“I promise to always be for you just as you have always been for me,” he promised.
Other dignitaries present include Senator Yinus Akintunde representing Oyo Central; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; and the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi.
Also in attendance are the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; and the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal and many others.
