Abimbola Akeem Owoade, born on July 17, 1975, is the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, a historic Yoruba town in Nigeria. He hails from the Owoade-Agunloye royal family of Agure Compound in Oyo Town.

Early Life and Education

In 1992, he completed his secondary education at Baptist High School in Saki, Oyo State. He pursued Mechanical Engineering, obtaining an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) from The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State (1994–1997), and a Higher National Diploma (HND) from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State (1999–2001). He furthered his studies in the United Kingdom, earning a Bachelor of Science from the University of Sunderland in 2008 and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Northumbria University in 2012.

Career

Owoade began his career in 2002 as a Mechanical Intern/Planner with the Nigeria Gas Company during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). He briefly worked as a teller with Oceanic Bank Plc from 2003 to 2004. After relocating to the UK, he earned certification as a Project Manager. He later moved to Canada, where he became the president of 100279 Manitoba Limited, a company specializing in real estate investment and financial services.

Ascension to the Throne

Following the passing of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022, the Alaafin throne remained vacant amid a contentious selection process. On January 10, 2025, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde approved Owoade’s selection as the new Alaafin. He received his certificate and staff of office on January 13, 2025, with his coronation scheduled for April 4, 2025.

Abimbola Akeem Owoade’s ascension marks a new chapter in the rich history of the Oyo Kingdom, blending traditional leadership with modern expertise.