Ooni Storms Alaafin’s Coronation with Hundreds of Osun Monarchs …Sultan, and Olu of Warri in Attendant
Posted by Sola Akingboye
The Ooni of Ife, who doubles as the President of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, on Saturday attended the official coronation ceremony of the new Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, Elewu Etu I, on Saturday in the cultural city of Oyo. He was accompanied by over a hundred traditional rulers from Osun State and beyond.
The new Alaafin was appointed and presented to the staff of the office at the Oyo State Government House by Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde in January 2025, following a selection process conducted through Ifa Oracle.
In his speech, the newly crowned Alaafin urged the citizens and residents of Oyo to avoid “beating the drums of vendetta, persecution, and acrimony,” stating that such actions “are an ill wind that will not blow any good.” He emphasized the importance of peace and unity in the Oyo kingdom, highlighting that “promoting peace and communal unity is a collective responsibility” and that “peace creates an enabling environment for human capital development and infrastructure.”
During a press briefing at the event, Ooni Ogunwusi expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the new Oyo monarch, the Oyomesi, and the people of the Oyo kingdom. He encouraged all other contenders for the throne to join hands with the Oba Owoade in the development of the kingdom, which holds significant importance in Yorubaland.
The Ooni, who is also the Co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), assured the Oba Owoade of the full support and cooperation of all the monarchs from Yorubaland, and Nigeria at large. He urged the new king to rally all his subjects, including the Oyomesi and those who contested alongside him, for kingdom development, stressing that he cannot do it alone and that he is now a father to all.
“The new Alaafin was destined to rule over the Oyo kingdom. He was chosen by the Almighty Olodumare through Ifa divination, and we are all pleased with this choice. Now that he has emerged from among several princes who also sought the throne, it is important for him to be magnanimous in victory and allow everyone to join him in developing this ancient city, known for its rich cultural heritage in Yorubaland,” the Ooni stated.
Earlier in his address, Governor Seyi Makinde reiterated his approval of the Ifa Oracle’s choice of the new king on January 10, 2025, and the staff-of-office presentation on January 13, emphasizing that these steps ensured a legitimate transition.
“I am officially present to the entire world, the Alaafin of Oyo. Those who claim they have not been informed or are seeking confirmation should come around and see the new Alaafin of Oyo,” he proclaimed.
Among the traditional rulers who joined the Ooni of Ife at the event were the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Ayotunde Olabomi JP; the Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Akanbi Adediran; the Oluresi of Iresi, Oba Sikiru Adeseun Ibiloye; the Alawo of Awon, Oba Taiwo Ajibade Adegboye; the Salu of Edunabon, Oba Adesoji Kehinde Oladepo JP; the Onigbaye of Igbaye, Oba Joseph Okunola Oni; the Adooko of Idooko, Oba Micheal Adedeji; and many others.
The event was also attended by Oyo State Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde, Osun State Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, Senator Munsurat Sumonu, Senator Yunus Akintunde representing Oyo Central Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, Honourable Akeem Adeyemi, also known as “Skimeh,” representing Afijio, Oyo East, Oyo West, and Atiba Federal Constituencies at the House of Representatives, the Are Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo, the Alara of Ilara-Epe, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, and the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye.
