What to know about new Alaafin of Oyo, Prince Owoade

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, on Friday officially approved the selection of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, revealed that Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade was recommended by the Oyomesi after thorough consultations and divinations, and his appointment was subsequently approved by the governor.

According to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Honourable Ademola Ojo, this announcement resolves all the socio-political and legal disputes that have arisen since the passing of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, on 22 April 2022.

In this article, Tribune Online highlights key details about the new Alaafin of Oyo.

1. Full Name

The full name of the new Alaafin is Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade.

2. Royal Lineage

Prince Owoade hails from the royal Owoade-Agunloye family of Oyo. He is one of the surviving children of Pa Rasaki Ibiyosi Owoade.

3. Education

He attended Baptist High School, Saki, and later obtained a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro (1994 — 1997). He furthered his education with a Higher National Diploma in the same field at The Polytechnic, Ibadan (1999 — 2001).

Prince Akeem Owoade pursued further education in the United Kingdom, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sunderland in 2008 and a Master of Science in the same field from Northumbria University in 2012.

Read Also: Makinde approves Prince Owoade as new Alaafin of Oyo

4. Professional Career

Prince Akeem’s professional journey spans continents. He began his career as a Planning Engineer at Oil Reach Company in Glasgow, UK, and is currently a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, Canada. Additionally, he serves as the president of 100279 Manitoba Limited, a company specialising in real estate and financial services, demonstrating his leadership and business acumen in the corporate sector.

5. Approval of Appointment

Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade was officially confirmed as the new Alaafin of Oyo on Friday, 10 January 2025, by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.