By Kolawole Ojebisi
The reign of a new monarch began on Saturday (today) in Oyo as Oba Abimbola Owoade Elewu Etu 1 was crowned the 46th Alaafin.
Owoade succeeds the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who joined his ancestor on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.
The coronation event took place at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, where Governor Seyi Makinde led a host of dignitaries, including notable Nigerians.
Dignitaries present at the coronation included the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; and Aare Oona Kankanfo of Yoruba, Iba Gani Adams, among others
The new monarch completed the compulsory 21-day traditional rites known as Oro Ipebi last Saturday, March 29.
Security arrangements had been significantly enhanced ahead of the historic event.
Recall that Oba Owoade was presented with the staff of office and instrument of office on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital.
The late Adeyemi spent 51 years on the Alaafin throne with his reign starting on November 30, 1970
