Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the newly crowned 46th Alaafin of Oyo, said he was in Canada when he received news of his selection. He explained that his family contacted him with the news. At first, he hesitated, but he later accepted the offer to serve.
At the time, he worked in Canada and handled personal and professional responsibilities there. After the selection, he returned briefly to Canada to resign from his job and arrange his affairs. He then came back to Nigeria to begin traditional rites.
On April 5, 2025, Oba Owoade completed the rites and received his official coronation. The event drew a large crowd, including royal fathers, government officials, and citizens from across Nigeria and abroad.
In his first message as Alaafin, he promised to focus on unity, peace, and progress in Yorubaland. He said he would protect cultural traditions while supporting modern leadership. Oba Owoade described his journey from Canada to the throne as a call to duty and heritage.
