The coronation of the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, is set to be an extraordinary event, with distinguished dignitaries from around the world expected to attend. Among those expected at the highly anticipated ceremony are former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, ambassadors from Spain, Brazil, Colombia, and Portugal, and over 200 Oyo indigenes residing in Canada.
In a press briefing held on Thursday at the Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo town, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Adekunle Ogunmola, confirmed the arrival of these high-profile figures. Ogunmola revealed that the presence of these distinguished guests would add a global dimension to the historic coronation ceremony, which is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The event will be marked by a week of celebratory activities beginning on Monday, March 31, 2025. Ogunmola explained that the committee has been working hard to ensure the smooth execution of the events and emphasized that the community was ready to receive its distinguished guests.
“Oba Owoade confirmed to the committee that we will host former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and ambassadors from Spain, Brazil, Colombia, and Portugal. Over 200 Oyo indigenes who reside in Canada have also signified their intention to participate in these historic celebrations,” Ogunmola stated.
The coronation of Oba Owoade is a significant event not just for Oyo town but for the entire Yoruba kingdom. The Alaafin is a highly respected traditional ruler in Nigeria, with a rich history that dates back centuries. The coronation of a new Alaafin is a momentous occasion that brings together not only local leaders but also individuals of global stature, symbolizing the cultural and historical importance of Oyo as a center of Yoruba civilization.
The presence of the former Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, is especially noteworthy as it reflects the strong cultural ties between Canada and the Yoruba people, particularly those who trace their roots to Oyo. The participation of foreign ambassadors adds a diplomatic dimension to the event, highlighting the international recognition of the Alaafin’s role as a cultural and historical leader.
In addition to the high-profile dignitaries, the coronation will be graced by first-class traditional rulers from across Nigeria. Among those confirmed to attend are the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo; the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III; and the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III. These royal figures represent the most respected traditional institutions in Nigeria and their attendance underscores the unity and solidarity within the country’s traditional leadership.
The coronation week will kick off with a vibrant cultural parade in Oyo town on Monday, March 31, 2025. The parade will showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Oyo Kingdom and the broader Yoruba people, with music, dance, and colorful costumes expected to take center stage.
On Tuesday, April 1, there will be a public lecture and colloquium featuring prominent scholars such as Prof. Anthony Asiwaju, Akin Alao, and Siyan Oyeweso. This event will focus on the history, culture, and future of the Yoruba people, offering an opportunity for intellectual engagement and reflection on the significance of the coronation.
Wednesday, April 2, will see the start of historic tree planting ceremonies, which will continue through Thursday, April 3. These symbolic acts are intended to represent the growth and prosperity that the new Alaafin is expected to bring to Oyo and the Yoruba people. The tree planting initiative is also a reminder of the importance of environmental sustainability and community involvement in shaping the future.
Thursday, April 4, will feature a command performance of *Aremo Aderonmu*, a stage play written by the late Gbemi Faleti, a renowned Yoruba playwright. The play will be performed at Ajayi Crowther University and is expected to be a highlight of the cultural activities during the coronation week. The performance of *Aremo Aderonmu* will add a theatrical and artistic dimension to the celebrations, paying homage to the cultural legacy of the Oyo Kingdom.
Friday, April 5, will be celebrated as Cultural Heritage Day, with a variety of events and performances aimed at showcasing the traditional music, dance, and art forms of the Oyo people. It is also a day for honoring the history of the kingdom and the contributions of the Alaafins who have led the region over the centuries. Several community development projects will also be inaugurated in honor of the new monarch, signifying the Alaafin’s role in fostering growth and progress within Oyo town and beyond.
The main coronation ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, marking the culmination of the week’s events. It is expected to be a grand occasion, with Oba Owoade formally assuming his new role as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo. The coronation will be attended by the dignitaries who have arrived for the event, as well as local leaders, citizens, and other guests from across Nigeria.
In the lead-up to the coronation, Ogunmola assured the public that comprehensive security measures were being put in place to ensure the safety of all attendees. Given the high-profile nature of the event and the large number of dignitaries expected, security will be a top priority for the organizing committee.
“This event is not only important for Oyo but for the entire Yoruba nation and Nigeria as a whole. We are committed to ensuring the safety of everyone attending the coronation, from the dignitaries to the local citizens,” Ogunmola said.
The coronation of Oba Akeem Owoade is set to be a historic event for the Oyo Kingdom, and it is expected to be a moment of celebration, reflection, and unity. With the involvement of foreign dignitaries, prominent Nigerian traditional rulers, and Oyo indigenes both at home and abroad, the ceremony will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable cultural events in recent Nigerian history. The week-long festivities will serve as a reminder of the deep cultural roots of the Oyo Kingdom and the continued significance of traditional leadership in modern Nigeria.
