All is now set for the coronation of Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.
Born 47 years ago to a prominent royal family of Owoade-Agunloye in Oyo town, the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, is one of the sons of Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade of Agure Compound, in the ancient Oyo Town.
Oba Owoade completed his Secondary School education at Baptist High School, Saki, Oyo State.
His father worked with the Oyo North Agricultural Development Programme (ONADEP), which helped the Oke-Ogun Community boost agricultural productivity.
He studied Mechanical Engineering at Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State for National Diploma, from 1994-1997 and Higher National Diploma(HND) at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State from 1999-2001.
He did his mandatory national youth service with the Nigeria Gas Company as a Mechanical Intern/Planner in 2002. He worked with Oceanic Bank International Plc in Warri as a Cashier from 2003-2004.
He became certified in Project Management in June 2015 (PMP holder). He held a Planning Engineering position at Oil Reach Company, Glasgow, United Kingdom for some years before moving to Canada.
Until his selection as the new Alaafin, he was the Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, Canada, one of the largest electric power and natural gas utility providers in Canada.
Apart from the popular Akesan market which will be under lock and key for the event, all other markets in and around the town will also be shut.
The monarch, according to the Director of Media and Publicity to the Palace, Bode Durojaiye, has urged the people to celebrate with moderation, warning that, beating the drums of vendetta, persecution and acrimony are ill wind that will not blow any good.
He said: “Promoting peace and communal unity is a collective responsibility of every indigene of the ancient town,’’ Alaafin Owoade said.
