Makinde unveils Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo
Prince Abimbola Owoade has been announced as the new Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Seyi Makinde led state government.
The 50-year-old Nigerian-Canadian professional and business tycoon will replace Oba Lamidi Adeyemi who joint his ancestors on April 22, 2022.
In an announcement of the appointment of the new king on Friday, Oyo Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, said Abimbola Abimbola Owoade was appointed as the Alaafin following the recommendation of the kingmakers of the kingdom, popularly known as Oyomesi.
He further added that Owoade was chosen after extensive consultations and traditional divinations.
“Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the new Alaafin of Oyo,” the statement read.
In the same vein, Oyo Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola expressed the hope that the appointment of the new king will put an end to all the legal and social disputes that followed the former Alaafin Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III’s death on April 22, 2022.
“This decision has put to rest all the socio-legal controversies that have arisen since the transition of the late Oba Adeyemi. We urge the people of Oyo State to support the new Alaafin and join the government in celebrating this historic moment,” Ojo said.
The government expressed hope that the reign of Prince Abimbola Owoade would bring peace, unity and prosperity to Oyo Kingdom.
Owoade and egineer and banker was unanimously chosen by the entire Owoade-Agunloye Royal family when the throne of the Alaafin became vacant
He was born to the royal family of Owoade-Agunloye of Prince Akeem Owoade, one of the surviving children of Pa Rasaki Ibiyosi Owoade, the descendant of Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade, Agure Compound, Oyo town.
Owoade who attended Baptist High School, Saki, Oyo State, obtained National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State (1994 to 1997) and The Polytechnic, Ibadan (1999 to 2001), Oyo State respectively.
He worked with Oceanic Bank International Plc. in Warri as a teller from 2003 to 2004 before he decided to further his education in the United Kingdom where he attended University of Sunderland (2008) and Northumbria University (2012).
He earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering, respectively in the two institutions,
He became certified in Project Management in June,2015 (PMP holder)
