Coronación 46º Aláàfin de Ọ̀yọ́
The city of Ọ̀yọ́ was today the stage of the majestic coronation of His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Ọba Abímbọ́lá Akẹ́ẹ̀m Òwóádé I, as the 46th Aláàfin of Ọ̀yọ́. The ceremony, held at Olivet Baptist High School, marked the beginning of a new era for the Yorùbá kingdom.
Ọba Òwóádé, born in 1975 into the royal Òwóádé-Agunlọyè family, is a direct descendant of Aláàfin Atíba. His academic background includes studies in mechanical engineering at institutions in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Before ascending the throne, he served as a project coordinator at Manitoba Hydro in Canada.
The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including the Governor of Ọ̀yọ́ State, Seyi Makinde, and prominent Yorùbá monarchs such as the Olúbàdàn of Ìbàdàn, Ọba Owolabi Olakulehin; the Oòni of Ifẹ̀, Ọba Adéyẹyè Ògúnwùsì; the Sọ̀ún of Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́, Ọba Ghandi Ọláòyẹ; and the Oluwo of Ìwó, Ọba Abdulrasheed Akanbi.
The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, highlighted the significance of the coronation, calling it a transformative moment in the history of the Ọ̀yọ́ kingdom and stressing the vital role of traditional institutions in promoting peace and cultural identity.
Prior to the coronation, Ọba Òwóádé completed the mandatory 21-day traditional rites, known as Òrò Ipébí, which took place from March 7th to 29th. During this period, the incoming monarch entered a secluded retreat, where he was instructed in the traditions, duties, and sacred secrets of the throne. This process is essential to prepare the new Aláàfin for his role as the spiritual and political leader of the people of Ọ̀yọ́.
Throughout the Òrò Ipébí rites and the coronation ceremony, our Bàbáláwo and Ifá masters were present, ensuring the prominent presence of Ilé Awo and our temple at this historic moment.
The coronation of Ọba Abímbọ́lá Akẹ́ẹ̀m Òwóádé I symbolizes the continuity and renewal of Yorùbá traditions, reinforcing the cultural legacy and unity of the Ọ̀yọ́ people.
