New Alaafin of Oyo Calls for Peaceful Celebrations Ahead of Coronation

The newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has called for moderation and peaceful celebrations as the ancient city prepares for his formal coronation on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

In a statement issued through his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch emphasized that divisive actions such as vendetta, persecution, and acrimony will bring no positive outcome.

Oba Owoade, who ascended the throne after the passing of the late Oba Adeyemi, was officially presented with the staff and instrument of office on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan. Following this, he completed the traditional 21-day rites known as Oro Ipebi last Saturday, March 29, and is now set to be formally crowned at a ceremony to be held at Oliveth Baptist High School, Oyo.

In his statement, Oba Owoade stated, “Beating the drums of vendetta, persecution, and acrimony are ill winds that will not blow any good. Promoting peace and communal unity is a collective responsibility for all of us. Peace and unity are important tools for community development, as they foster personal growth, enhance human capital, and contribute to robust institutions. The time to build a sustainable and formidable communal unity is now.”

The 47-year-old monarch, who hails from the Owoade-Agunloye family in Oyo, stressed that peace should be at the heart of every individual in the community, underscoring the importance of encouraging harmonious relationships for the benefit of the town’s growth and development.

Oba Owoade’s ascension marks a new chapter in the rich history of Oyo, and his coronation ceremony is expected to be a significant and unifying event for the people of the ancient town.