The countdown to the highly anticipated coronation of Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade II, the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, has officially begun! The Alaafin Abimbola Owoade Local Organising Committee has unveiled a comprehensive two-week schedule packed with vibrant cultural festivities, educational events, and grand celebrations, all culminating in the historic coronation ceremony set for April 5, 2025.
Beginning on March 31 and running until April 12, 2025, the celebrations promise to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Oyo Kingdom. This marks a new chapter for the kingdom, as Oba Owoade ascends to the throne after completing all traditional rites and receiving his staff of office from Governor Seyi Makinde in January 2025.
Pre-Coronation Highlights: A Festival of Culture and Tradition The festivities will kick off with a Cultural Carnival Parade on March 31, a colorful display of Yoruba arts, music, and dance that will set the tone for the week ahead. The opening ceremony, slated for 10:00 am, will feature dignitaries and exhibitions that run until April 4. The week is packed with a variety of activities, including a three-phase tree planting campaign starting on April 1, a public lecture and colloquium featuring prominent scholars, and a coronation quiz competition for the youth, all aimed at engaging and educating the community about Oyo’s rich history.
The exciting coronation football competition will conclude on April 3, followed by the inauguration of key development projects initiated by Prince Akeem in honor of the new king.
The Grand Coronation: Saturday, April 5, 2025 The main event, the Grand Coronation Ceremony, will take place on April 5, 2025. Multiple venues in Oyo will host the spectacular event, which will see high-ranking officials, traditional rulers, and dignitaries from across Nigeria and the diaspora coming together to mark this historic moment. The coronation will blend traditional rites with modern celebrations, complete with exclusive receptions and cultural performances to add grandeur to the occasion.
Post-Coronation Celebrations: A Time for Thanks and Community The celebrations will continue with heartfelt thanksgiving services, reflecting the religious diversity of the Oyo Kingdom. A Christian thanksgiving will be held on April 6, followed by a Jumat prayer at the Central Mosque on April 11. Traditional worshippers will have their moment on April 12 at the Isese Compound in Oyo.
In a move that demonstrates the new king’s commitment to the community, a free eye test campaign and distribution of eyeglasses will take place on April 7, a gesture aimed at promoting social welfare.
Oba Owoade’s Path to the Throne The coronation comes after the passing of the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in April 2022, leaving the Oyo Kingdom in anticipation of a new leader. After extensive consultations, Oba Abimbola Owoade was selected by the Oyomesi and kingmakers. He officially assumed the throne with the staff of office on January 13, 2025, ready to guide the Oyo Kingdom toward unity and progress.
As the celebrations unfold, the committee has called on Oyo residents, Yoruba descendants worldwide, and well-wishers to join in the historic occasion, underscoring that this coronation is not just for the Alaafin but for the entire Oyo Kingdom and the Yoruba people.
Check out the full schedule of events and mark your calendars for this momentous celebration of culture, leadership, and community in Oyo!
Timeline of Events:
Pre-Coronation Events
Monday, March 31, 2025
- Cultural Carnival Parade: 7:30 am – 10:00 am
- Opening Ceremony: 10:00 am, featuring dignitaries and exhibitions (until April 4)
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
- Historic Tree Planting (Phase 1): 7:30 am – 9:30 am
- Public Lecture/Colloquium: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
- Historic Tree Planting (Phase 2): 8:00 am – 11:00 am
- Coronation Quiz Competition: 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Thursday, April 3, 2025
- Historic Tree Planting (Phase 3): 8:00 am – 11:00 am
- Coronation Football Competition (Final): 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
- Commissioning of Development Projects: 1:30 pm onwards
Friday, April 4, 2025
- Oyo Cultural Heritage Day: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Command Performance: 5:00 pm
Coronation Day: Saturday, April 5, 2025
- Main Coronation Ceremony: Multiple venues across Oyo
- VIP Receptions and Cultural Performances: Throughout the day
Post-Coronation Events
Sunday, April 6, 2025
- Christian Thanksgiving Service: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Monday, April 7, 2025
- Free Eye Test & Eyeglasses Distribution: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
- Isure Ati Idupe Fun Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade II: Rituals at Esu Akesan Shrine
Friday, April 11, 2025
- Jumat Prayer: 1:30 pm at Central Mosque, Oja
Saturday, April 12, 2025
- Thanksgiving Service for Isese/Orisa Worshippers: 10:00 am at Isese Compound, Oyo
Stay tuned for more updates and be part of this historical journey!
