Abimbola Owoade has been crowned the new Alaafin of Oyo.
Owoade ascended the throne on Saturday as the 46th monarch at a coronation ceremony held at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo town.
He completed the compulsory 21-day traditional rites on March 29.
Since 2023, the Oyomesi has been divided over the selection of a new Alaafin.
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Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, announced Owoade as the new Alaafin in January and handed him the staff of office despite opposition from the kingmakers (Oyomesi).
A five-member faction of the Oyomesi had nominated Lukuman Adelodun Gbadegesin for the position.
The kingmakers rejected Owoade’s appointment, describing it as “illegal” and “invalid”.
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Speaking at the coronation, Makinde said: “Those who said they have not heard or haven’t seen it and they are running helter skelter, they should go and meet Kabiyesi in the palace”.
Dignitaries present at the event include Muhammad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto; Gani Adams, Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland; Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife; and Abdulrasheed Akanbi, Oluwo of Iwo.
Before his announcement as Alaafin, Owoade was project coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, a utility provider in Canada.
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