All set for Alaafin Owoade’s coronation

All is now set for the coronation of Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, as the 47th Alaafin of Oyo in Oyo.

Born 47 years ago to the royal family of Owoade-Agunloye in Oyo Town, Oba Owoade completed secondary school education at Baptist High School, Saki.

His father worked with Oyo North Agricultural Development Programme (ONADEP), helping Oke-Ogun community in boosting agricultural productivity.

He studied mechanical engineering at Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State, with National Diploma, from 1994-1997, and Higher National Diploma at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo, from 1999-2001.

He observed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme with Nigeria Gas Company as a mechanical intern/planner in 2002 and worked with Oceanic Bank International Plc in Warri as a cashier from 2003-2004.

Oba Owoade attended the University of Sunderland (2008) and Northumbria University (2012) from where he earned Bachelor of Science degrees in mechanical engineering, respectively.

He became certified in project management in June, 2015 (PMP holder). He held a planning engineering position at Oil Reach Company, Glasgow, United Kingdom, for some years before moving to Canada.

Oba Owoade, until the royal mantel fell on his shoulder, was the project coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, Canada, one of the largest electric power and natural gas utility providers in Canada.

Oba Owoade is a Nigerian and Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and President of Manitoba Limited and owns a real estate investment and financial services business in Manitoba, Canada.

A release issued by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo, Bode Durojaiye, said besides hotels and guest houses that have been fully booked for guests, posters and billboards of the new Alaafin adorned every nook and cranny of the town.

Durojaiye stated that all township roads are being rehabilitated to make them motorable for invited guests who will attend the historic event as residents are in high spirits amid pomp and pageantry in motorcades round the town.

“At the Olivet Baptist High School, main venue of the coronation ceremony, special canopies for the guests are being erected, while security arrangements are in top gear.

“Apart from the popular Akesan market that will be under lock and key for the event, all other markets in and around the town will also follow suit,” he said.

Durojaiye explained that Oba Owoade has urged the people to celebrate with moderation, by not beating the drums of vendetta, persecution and acrimony as they are ill wind that will not blow any good.

“Promoting peace and communal unity is a collective responsibility of every indigene of the ancient town.

“Peace and unity are important tools for community development, as peace is a fundamental asset to building personal growth, community development, and robust sustainable and formidable communal unity is now.

“As individuals, let us promote peace within our town and environs by encouraging good relationships,“ he said.