Events
Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Owoade, Strikes Gold, Celebrates Developmental Strides
By Eric Elezuo
With the best of royal pomp, the revered Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, stepped out in majesty for a two-in-one celebration to make his grandiose entry into the golden age, and 19 years of marital life.
In an event that spoke volumes about a combination of the royal father’s clout, simplicity and and invincibility, the ancient city of Oyo became a beehive of activities as subjects sought to catch a glimpse of the custodian of the Oyo culture, and heritage.
In attendance were Royal Fathers across the Yoruba ethnic divide, friends, well wishers of the throne including dignitaries from all walks of life.
In a heartwarming and emotional address, the Alaafin expressed gratitude to all who came to celebrate with him, including the indigenous people of Oyo.
The major highlight of the occasion was the cutting of the birthday cake by the revered monarch surrounded his wife, immediate family members and few close associates amid display of confetti and anniversary lights.
The celebration reached its climax with a thrilling performance by music legend, King Sunny Ade, which got everyone on their feet, dancing and singing along, just as local and continental dishes as well as beverages came continous rounds.
In appreciation of his leadership qualities and love for his people, the Oyo natives used the avenue of the significant milestone age to pray for the monarch, wishing him splendid health, wisdom, and longevity, and echoing in intervals the chant, “Long life, Iku Baba Yeye!
Taking to his social media handle, the monarch reflected as follows: “Today, I turn 50. Five decades of divine purpose. A journey of crown, culture and calling. I give glory to God and honor to my ancestors. May the next chapters be blessed with wisdom and peace.”
Continuing, he wrote regarding his blissful years of wedlock, “19 years together and without a doubt, I would choose you every single time. You are my strength, my peace, my forever. We’ve built an incredible kingdom of love and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”
The Alaafin of Oyo’s 50th birthday and 19th wedding anniversary was marked with a week-long activities on including commissioning of a series of developmental initiatives and sporting events aimed at enhancing community welfare and promoting unity across the ancient town.
Among the key projects was the donation and installation of a 500kVA transformer at Oke Apo by Rt. Hon. Prince Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi (Skimeh). The transformer is programmed to improve electricity supply to more than 21 communities in Oyo East Local Government Area.
A newly constructed residential facility for Agro-Rangers personnel was officially inaugurated. The quarters were jointly funded by the four local governments in Oyo in partnership with Sheikh Imam Dahud Igi Ogun, a prominent indigene.
Also commissioned was a solar-powered borehole in the Agure community. Donated by Hon. Rahaman Olorunpoto, a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, the water project is expected to provide sustainable access to clean water for local residents.
The events also featured the finals of a community-wide football tournament co-sponsored by Prince Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, table tennis competitions across different age categories supported by Prince Adeniran, Statistician-General of the Federation, and a series of boxing matches that attracted large crowds.
“May Kabiyesi Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I live to celebrate many more years of fulfillment, sound health, and immense prosperity,” Hon. Prince Akeem Adeyemi, who also chairs the House Committee on the South West Development Commission, said.
“We celebrate not only his 50 years of life but also his 19 years of marriage, which is a remarkable achievement. We wish him many more years of happiness, peace, and prosperity.”
In 1992, he completed his Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) at Baptist High School, Saki, Oyo State. He studied Mechanical Engineering at The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State (1994–1997), and The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State (1999–2001), earning an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and a Higher National Diploma (HND), respectively. He later moved to the United Kingdom, where he attended the University of Sunderland and Northumbria University, earning a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2008 and 2012, respectively.
Abimbola Owoade’s career began in 2002 as a corps member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), serving as a Mechanical Intern/Planner with the Nigeria Gas Company. He worked briefly with Oceanic Bank Plc as a teller from 2003 to 2004. He later relocated to the U.K., where he earned certification as a Project Manager after completing his degrees. Before being selected as Alaafin, he most recently worked as a project coordinator at Manitoba Hydro in Winnipeg, Canada
Oba Abimbola Owoade ascended the throne of his following the death of the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarchs.
Since his installation, Oba Owoade has continued to preserve the traditions and legacies of the Oyo Empire while embracing the evolving responsibilities of a modern royal leader.
His reign has been marked by cultural revitalisation, youth engagement and efforts to bridge traditional leadership with contemporary governance.
From all of us at The Boss, we wish the Kabiyesi many more years of bliss and wisdom to lead his kingdom, and contribute meaningful development to the nation.
By Eric Elezuo
The historic city of Ile-Ife, the domain of the influential Ooni, in Osun State, came very alive during the week, as the energetic Senator representing Osun Central in the National Assembly, Olubiyi Fadeyi Ajangunla, and his wife, Erelu Olajumoke Fadeyi, were installed as the AJAGUNLA OODUA TI ILE YORUBA and ERELU AJAGUNLA OODUA OF THE SOURCE by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, at the Palace Ile-Ife.
The event reflects crowning the Ajangunla, who signifies great warrior, and protector of the entire Yoruba race; guarding and shielding the residents against external aggression. That’s the office Senator Fadeyi and his wife, Erelu Olajumoke, have ascended among the Yoruba people.
Classy and debonair, Senator Fadeyi and wife chose to make the days of the coronation one to remember, and give guests and dignitaries, who came from far and near the pampering required of a such a occasion.
The events began with a solid get together soiree, organised and held at the Harvard Hotel, where early callers were treated to good music, classy dishes and splendid entertainment, providing avenues for rewarding networking.
Attending to grateful guests, Senator Fadeyi, dressed in all white kaftan, and the Erelu in a free green and red round neck sleeveless gown, were full of smiles, acknowledging the presence of all and sundry.
With a live band dishing out evergreen music to the joy of the guests, and splendid dishes and beverages making sporadic and ceaseless rounds on the table, the evening proved to be an acceptable progenitor to the anticipated main billed for the next day.
Of course, the next day lived up to its billing with more guests storming the historic ancient city in what appeared to be everyone on white affair.
The entrance of the celebrants was a testament in elegance as traditional Palace staff, in their white loins and leopard skin, formed a two-line squad through which the Ajangunla and his wife, made their revered entry accompanied by close family members, friends and associates. The entry was followed by the loud and impressive appearance of the Ooni of Ife, signaling the beginning of the coronation ceremony.
The installation was brief, but highly monumental, bestowing the great warrior status on the couple, giving them prominence and influence, not only in Ile-Ife, but the entire Yorubaland.
With the who’s who in Yorubaland in attendance, the goodwill messages began to flow, acknowledging the Ooni first as a primus interperes, who has reign over the kingdom in 10 fruitful years, and the newly crowned couple for their steadfast contributions to the uplifting of the society, with special mention of their immediate locality, Ile-Ife and Osun State.
It was therefore, with pride that the couple took their first sacred steps as the Ajangunla Oodua and Erelu Ajangunla Oodua in preparation to begin an gracious duty of standing for the Yoruba race at all times.
Thereafter, the mother of all reception was held at an outdoor ground of the Obafemi Awolowo University with the best of music, from the evergreen voices of Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, and Yinka Ayefele, just a-list dishes, beverages and accurate networking flowed freely on the night.
Among very important personalities that graced the event with their presence were the Deji Of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi; the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin; the Alara of Ilara, Oba Folarin Ogunsanwo; the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; Osun State Council of Obas, Firstlady of Ondo State Lady Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, Princess Toyin Kolade, Mr Kayode Kolade, Chief Alex Duduyemi and a host of there.
PRESIDENT TINUBU GREETS AJAGUNLA ON CORONATION
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu warmly congratulates Senator Olubiyi Oluwole Fadeyi, Senator representing Osun Central Senatorial District, on his prestigious conferment as the “Ajagunnla-Oodua Ti Ile Yoruba” by the Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
President Tinubu describes the honour as well-deserved in recognition of Senator Fadeyi’s distinguished service to the advancement of his community, the Yoruba nation, and Nigeria as a whole.
The President notes that the Ajagunnla-Oodua title carries profound cultural significance within the Yoruba traditional institution and reflects the Ooni’s confidence in Senator Fadeyi’s character, contributions, and devotion to the values of unity, peace building, and development.
“Senator Fadeyi has shown exemplary dedication to public service and the upliftment of his people. This honour from the Ooni of Ife is not only a personal milestone but also a national celebration of excellence, integrity, and cultural heritage,” the President says.
President Tinubu commends the Ooni of Ife for continuing to uphold the revered Yoruba traditions by recognising individuals who embody leadership, compassion, and communal responsibility.
He prays that the new Ajagunnla-Oodua will be strengthened with greater wisdom and renewed commitment as he undertakes his latest responsibility.
The Leezeet Tender Heart Foundation, in partnership with Divine Care Hub, has held an inspiring Elderly Community Outreach Programme in Ikorodu.
Led by the founder, Mrs. Elizabeth Adegbite, the event celebrated and supported senior citizens, widows, and orphans, highlighting the importance of mental, physical, and social well-being for older adults.
The programme, themed “Promoting Economic Empowerment & Mental Wellness Among Older Adults,” included prayers, praise and worship, gentle exercises, massage therapy, nutrition talks, and economic empowerment sessions. Ms. Abimbola Shaba shared tips on Affordable Nutrition and Healthy Living for the Elderly, while Mrs. Adigun and Ms. Loveth highlighted social welfare and economic opportunities.
Creative moments included a heartfelt poem by Mrs. Grace Oni and a colorful senior fashion parade coordinated by Mrs. Oladehinde, reminding everyone that style has no age limit. The event was beautifully anchored by MC Mrs. Adebo and concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Fabunmi.
Mrs. Adegbite called on the Ikorodu community, NGOs, and individuals to step up interventions for the elderly, stressing that together, communities can ensure dignity, care, and hope for all seniors.
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