The 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has disclosed that his choice was divinely ordained, but not political.
He was crowned as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo on Saturday after completing all the necessary rites.
Speaking on Sunday during a thanksgiving service at the Anglican Cathedral Church, Esiele, Oyo, he said: “I never knew nor met both the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, before and during the process to the throne.
“I never knew I would be the next Alaafin of Oyo, as I was neither desperate nor cutting corners in order to become the Alaafin at all costs. It was the Will of God.”
These were relayed in a statement by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Monday.
He appealed to his brother princes who contested the stool with him to join hands with him in transforming the ancient Oyo to enviable heights.
Oba Owoade’s words: “Let us remember that united we stand and divided we fall. In unity lies the strength and togetherness devoid of bickering and acrimony, we will successfully accomplish the arduous task ahead.”
He restated unalloyed commitment to his agenda and assured the people that he meant what he said and should be taken for his words.
The royal father pledged to follow through on promises and maintain ethical standards in order to foster an environment where people feel secure and valued, encouraging open communication and collaboration.
In his sermon, titled, “Reigning to Lead Oyo and Yoruba People to Prominence,” the former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Revd. Supo Ayokunle, urged the Alaafin to be courageous and always seek divine guidance on the throne, in order to surmount impending obstacles.
He stressed that courage and bravery are essential qualities of a good leader, adding that these two qualities are imperative to be demonstrated in the pursuit of justice, freedom, and other noble causes for peace, progress and development.
The cleric described Owoade as a “divinely ordained paramount ruler,” attributing his journey to the ascension of the throne to that of King David in the Bible.
He said, “Kabiyesi, do not think that you are alone on the throne. Be courageous, steadfast and committed. The Almighty God is standing by you and ready to assist you in leading the people aright. Be afraid of no one, but your God at all times. Call on Him and He will not let you down. Your mission shall surely be accomplished.”
Ayokunle, who pointed out that the primary assignment of the Alaafin is how to ensure that the ancient city gets to the promised land, added that “he must encounter obstacles but would not be insurmountable with courage, adherence to the Words of God, and prayer.”
He also urged the people of Oyo town, both at home and in the diaspora, to rally round and show sincere love to their king, urging them to “eschew vendetta, acrimony and rancour, as well as be generous towards the well-being of the monarch.”
Oba Owoade was accompanied by his wife, Abiwunmi.
Other members on the entourage included some members of the Oyo traditional Council (Oyo Mesi), the Samu and the Agba Akin, Baba Iyaji of Oyo (head of royal families in Oyo town), elevated Baales to Part 2 traditional rulers, and Owoade families.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of a customised Holy Bible to the Alaafin.
Oba Owoade, who was presented with the staff of office and instrument of office on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, ascended the throne after the departed Oba Olayiwola Adeyemi joined his ancestors.
He completed the compulsory 21-day traditional rites known as Oro Ipebi on March 29.
