How I Found Out I Was Chosen As Alaafin – Oba Owoade Speaks
The newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade has recounted the surprising and humbling journey that led to his emergence as the monarch of the historic Yoruba kingdom.
In a statement on Wednesday morning on his verified Facebook page, he said he learnt of his selection through a message sent by his younger brother while scrolling through his phone after waking up.
He narrated the unexpected yet emotional moment he discovered that Governor Seyi Makinde had approved his appointment as the next Alaafin of Oyo.
He said, “I was sleeping and when I woke up, I decided to just check my phone. The next thing, I received a message from my younger brother. The message he sent was a link… I clicked on the link and the headline read: ‘Governor Makinde approves Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as Alaafin-elect’.”
He further reflected on his experience at Ipebi, the traditional seclusion period observed by Yoruba monarchs-elect.
According to him, the time spent in Ipebi was full of deep lessons about the culture, politics, and rich history of the Oyo Kingdom and Yorubaland at large.
“I learnt a lot of lessons at Ipebi. It is a place of lifelong lessons. Traditional historians came around and they told me stories about Oyo and the politics of Oyo and Yorubaland in its entirety,” he added.
Preaching unity and tolerance, the Alaafin also reiterated his commitment to inclusivity, stressing that his reign would accommodate all faiths and beliefs.
“I embrace all religions. The Yoruba say Iwa l’esin – character is the real religion. Your connection with your God matters more than the number of times you display religiosity,” he wrote.
He concluded with a call for collective progress, quoting the popular Yoruba adage: “Agbajo owo ni a fi n so’ya, owo kan o gb’eru d’ori,” meaning strength lies in unity.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
