Prince Abimbola Owoade has been officially approved as the new Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
This marks the beginning of a new era for the ancient Oyo Kingdom, with Prince Akeem at the helm.
Where is Prince Owoade from?
Prince Owoade hails from the esteemed Owoade-Agunloye family, a lineage that traces back to Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade from Agure Compound, Oyo.
Education Background of Prince Owoade
Prince Owoade has a National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, and The Polytechnic, Ibadan, respectively.
What is Prince Owoade’s job?
Prince Owoade is a project manager, currently serving as a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, Canada. Prior to his Canada placement, he has worked as a Planning Engineer in Glasgow, UK.
What will he do differently?
According to Prince Owoade, his vision for Oyo is multifaceted as he plans to preserve the kingdom’s cultural heritage through initiatives such as building a museum. He also hopes to drive economic development via industrial parks, as well as empower youth through vocational training. He has also been credited for seeking to collaborate with international bodies including the ILO and UNDP to foster growth and opportunity in Oyo.
His appointment
While Prince Owoade’s appointment as the new Alaafin of Oyo marks the beginning of a new chapter for the kingdom, it is hoped that he will use his unique blend of global experience and profound respect for local traditions to lead Oyo towards progress, cultural revival, and community upliftment.
Prince Owoade to succeed Alaafin Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III
Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III was the Alaafin of Oyo from 1970 until his passing in 2022. Born on October 15, 1938, he was the longest-reigning Alaafin in modern recorded history, ruling for 51 years.
During his reign, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III played a significant role in promoting the cultural heritage of the Oyo Kingdom.
He was a strong advocate for the preservation of traditional values and customs. The Alaafin was also a respected figure in Nigerian politics, serving as the Chancellor of Uthman dan Fodiyo University in Sokoto from 1980 to 1992, and later as the Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri.
Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III passed away on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy as a champion of Yoruba culture and tradition.
45 Alaafin of Oyo from 1000
Below is a list of all title holders of the Alaafin of Oyo stool from 1000 till date, from the founder Oranyan to the newly enthroned Alaafin Owoade.
- Oranyan (c. 1000 – c. 1050) – Founder of the Oyo dynasty and a grandson (or son) of Oduduwa.
- Ajaka (c. 1050 – c. 1075) – A peaceful ruler, overthrown by his warrior brother.
- Shango (c. 1075 – c. 1085) – Known as a warrior king and deified as an orisha in Yoruba mythology.
- Ajaka (restored) (c. 1085 – c. 1095) – Returned to the throne after Shango’s demise.
- Aganjusola (c. 1095 – c. 1105) – A king associated with taming wild animals and longevity.
- Kori (c. 1105 – c. 1135) – Expanded Oyo Ile and reigned for over 50 years.
- Oluaso (c. 1135 – c. 1150) – A prolific ruler known for his numerous descendants.
- Onigbogi (c. 1150 – c. 1170) – Fled the capital during Nupe invasions in the 1500s.
- Ofiran (c. 1170 – c. 1190) – Reclaimed some Oyo territory while in exile.
- Eguguojo (c. 1190 – c. 1205) – Established Igboho as the new capital.
- Orompoto (c. 1205 – c. 1220) – First female Alaafin, known for victories over the Nupe.
- Ajiboyede (c. 1220 – c. 1240) – Introduced the Bere festival.
- Abipa (c. 1240 – c. 1255) – Rebuilt Oyo-Ile after 80 years in exile.
- Obalokun (c. 1255 – c. 1270) – Oversaw Oyo’s expansion and European trade.
- Oluodo (c. 1270 – c. 1285) – Died in battle against the Nupe.
- Ajagbo (c. 1285 – c. 1300) – Introduced the Sesefun crown and created the title of Aare Ona Kankanfo.
- Odarawu (c. 1300 – c. 1320) – Overthrown by the Oyo Mesi.
- Kanran (c. 1320 – c. 1340) – Killed during a mutiny.
- Jayin (c. 1340 – c. 1360) – A tyrant overthrown by the Oyo Mesi.
- Ayibi (c. 1360 – c. 1375) – A rejected king whose reign saw Allada come under Oyo.
- Osiyago (c. 1375 – c. 1390) – Assassinated following a dynastic dispute.
- Ojigi (c. 1390 – c. 1410) – Conquered the Dahomey Kingdom.
- Gberu (c. 1410 – c. 1425) – Deposed after a power struggle with his Basorun.
- Amuniwaiye (c. 1425 – c. 1440) – Assassinated by a personal enemy.
- Onisile (c. 1440 – c. 1460) – Rejected by the Oyo Mesi.
- Labisi (c. 1460 – c. 1475) – Forced to commit suicide by Bashorun Gaa.
- Awonbioju (c. 1475 – c. 1490) – Ruled for 130 days before being compelled to suicide.
- Agboluaje (c. 1490 – c. 1510) – Forced to commit suicide after refusing to declare war.
- Majeogbe (c. 1510 – c. 1530) – Brother of Agboluaje.
- Abiodun (c. 1530 – c. 1550) – Defeated Bashorun Gaa and granted Egba independence.
- Awole Arogangan (c. 1550 – c. 1570) – Overthrown by Afonja and his army.
- Adebo (c. 1570 – c. 1590) – Ruled briefly before his death.
- Makua (c. 1590 – c. 1592) – Reigned for only two months.
- Majotu (c. 1592 – c. 1600) – His reign witnessed Ilorin’s secession and Dahomey’s independence.
- Amodo (c. 1600 – c. 1620) – Saw Oyo sacked by Ilorin in 1833.
- Oluewu (c. 1620 – c. 1640) – The last Alaafin of the Oyo Empire.
- Atiba Atobatele (c. 1835 – c. 1845) – Relocated Oyo south to its current location.
- Olujide Adelu Agunloye (c. 1845 – c. 1855) – Eldest son of Atiba.
- Adeyemi I Alowolodu (c. 1855 – c. 1899) – Last independent Alaafin and later a British vassal.
- Lamidi Amubieya Agogoja (c. 1899 – c. 1919) – Eldest son of Adelu.
- Siyanbola Onikepe Oladigbolu I (c. 1919 – c. 1945) – Known for stability during colonial rule.
- Adeyemi II Adeniran (c. 1945 – c. 1965) – Son of Adeyemi I.
- Bello Gbadegesin Oladigbolu II (c. 1965 – c. 1970) – Witnessed Nigeria’s independence.
- Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III (c. 19750 – 2022) – Reigned for over 50 years, modernizing the throne.
- Prince Abimbola Owoade (2025 – present)
