There are no obstacles preventing the coronation of Alaafin-designate, Prince Akeem Owoade, scheduled for April 5, 2025. This assurance was given by Rotimi Osuntola, the Chief of Staff to Owoade, in response to concerns about the coronation process.
The Oyo State Government has officially set the coronation date and chosen Olivet Baptist High School in Oyo as the venue for the event. In preparation, the government has also established a 25-member committee to oversee the planning and coordination of the ceremony. The committee is led by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Demola Ojo.
Owoade was formally presented with the staff of office by Governor Seyi Makinde on January 13, 2025, confirming his status as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo. However, some of his co-contestants for the throne, including Lukman Gbadegesin and Ismail Owoade, have challenged the process that led to his selection. They argue that it was “unlawful, unconstitutional, invalid, null, and void.”
Recently, there have been claims that the coronation could be affected due to the unknown whereabouts of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Oloyede, who has been missing since January 2024. A media report suggested that traditional rites require the reigning Ipetumodu monarch to present a sword of authority to the new Alaafin before he can officially ascend the throne.
However, Osuntola dismissed these claims, stating that there is no historical evidence proving that the Ipetumodu ruler plays a crucial role in the coronation process.
“The royal office wishes to assure the Yoruba people and the general public that there is no obstacle to the coronation of Oba Engr. Akeem Abimbola Owoade 1 as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.
“The necessary rites are being conducted in strict accordance with the historical traditions of the Oyo Empire, and any assertions to the contrary are misleading and should be disregarded.
“While recent oral traditions may have introduced the Apetumodu into the coronation narrative, historical records do not support the claim that his role is indispensable to the process. The idea that his absence could ‘jeopardise’ the coronation is, therefore, unfounded.”
