What you need to know about new Alaafin of Oyo, Owoade-Agunloye

Prince Akeem Owoade was born in 1978 into the esteemed Owoade-Agunloye royal family of Oyo town. As a descendant of Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade, Prince Owoade’s lineage is steeped in tradition and heritage.

Education and Career

Prince Owoade’s academic journey began at Baptist High School, Saki, where he completed his secondary education in 1992. He then pursued higher education in mechanical engineering, earning his National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) from The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, and The Polytechnic, Ibadan, respectively.

Prince Owoade’s professional experience spans various industries, including his role as a Mechanical Intern/Planner at Nigeria Gas Company during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program in 2002. He also worked as a teller at Oceanic Bank International Plc, Warri, from 2003 to 2004.

International Education and Certifications

Prince Owoade furthered his education in the United Kingdom, attending the University of Sunderland (2008) and Northumbria University (2012), where he earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering. He also obtained his Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in June 2015.

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Personal Qualities and Community Involvement

Prince Owoade is renowned for his practical, steadfast, loyal, and reliable nature. He has a strong passion for helping others and has consistently provided support to his relatives, family, friends, and community, both locally and internationally.

Selection as the New Alaafin of Oyo

Prince Owoade was unanimously chosen by the Owoade-Agunloye family to represent their lineage in the Alaafin of Oyo race, a testament to his exceptional leadership qualities and royal heritage.

The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade.

Oyelade stated that Owoade was chosen after extensive consultations and traditional divinations conducted by the Oyo kingmakers, the Oyomesi.

“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.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola Ojo, in his remarks, said the announcement ends the legal and social disputes that followed the passing of the former Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who died 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.

Oyelade expressed optimism that the reign of the new Alaafin would usher in peace, unity, and prosperity for the Oyo Kingdom.

“We pray that his reign brings progress and harmony to the people of Oyo and strengthens the historic legacy of the Alaafin institution,” he added.

Residents of Oyo State have been called upon to rally behind the new monarch as he begins his reign over the ancient kingdom.