Akeem Abimbola Owoade Biography showcases the life of a respected individual with notable achievements and a strong presence in his community. Born and raised in Oyo State, Nigeria, Akeem has built a reputation as a successful professional and a respected family man. His dedication to his personal and professional life is evident through his thriving career and commitment to his wife and children. In addition to his accomplishments, Akeem holds the distinguished traditional title of Alaafin of Oyo, further cementing his place in his field. Akeem Abimbola Owoade’s Biography reflects his journey, achievements, and the impact he continues to make in various areas of life.
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Akeem Abimbola Owoade Biography
Abimbola Akeem Owoade, born in 1978, is the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, a title that holds great cultural and historical significance in Yorubaland, Nigeria. His ascension to the throne was officially approved by the Oyo State Government on January 10, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s rich heritage. As Alaafin, Owoade is tasked with leading the Oyo Kingdom, which involves preserving traditional values, promoting the welfare of his people, and overseeing important cultural and religious ceremonies. His emergence as a prominent leader highlights the continuation of Oyo’s long-standing monarchy and its enduring influence in Nigerian society.
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Akeem Abimbola Owoade Early Life and Education
Abimbola Owoade was born in 1978 into the royal family of Owoade-Agunloye, Agure Compound, in Oyo Town, Oyo State. His early education began at Baptist High School, Saki, Oyo State, where he completed his Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) in 1992. Driven by a passion for engineering, Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade went on to study Mechanical Engineering at The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State (1994–1997), where he earned his Ordinary National Diploma (OND). Prince Akeem then continued his studies at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, completing his Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mechanical Engineering from 1999 to 2001, laying the foundation for his academic and professional journey.
Seeking to broaden his horizons, Prince Owoade moved to the United Kingdom, where he attended the University of Sunderland and Northumbria University. Prince Akeem Owoade earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2008 and a Master of Science in the same field in 2012. His time abroad advanced his academic qualifications and enriched his global perspective, contributing to the depth of his leadership. Abimbola Owoade’s educational background, combined with his royal lineage, has positioned him to play a significant role in his community and the Oyo Kingdom, where he recently ascended to the 46th Alaafin of Oyo in 2025.
Abimbola Owoade’s Career
Abimbola Owoade’s professional journey began in 2002 when he served as a corps member with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), working as a Mechanical Intern/Planner with the Nigeria Gas Company. After completing his NYSC service, he briefly worked with Oceanic Bank Plc as a teller from 2003 to 2004, gaining early experience in the financial sector. Seeking to further his career, Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade relocated to the United Kingdom, where he earned certifications in Project Management following the completion of his degrees in Mechanical Engineering. His diverse career experiences, from engineering to project management, have equipped him with valuable skills that contribute to his leadership role in the Oyo Kingdom, especially as he ascends to the esteemed title of the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.
Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade Wife
Presently, details about the personal life of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, particularly concerning his wife, remain limited. While some social media posts have featured images of Prince Owoade with a woman referred to as his wife, reputable sources have yet to provide specific information about her background, education, or personal life. Public figures in traditional leadership roles often maintain privacy about their families, and it is likely that more information will emerge as his reign progresses. Until then, details regarding his wife remain undisclosed.
Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade Family
Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, is a distinguished member of the renowned Owoade-Agunloye royal family in Oyo Town. He is one of the surviving children of Pa Rasaki Ibiyosi Owoade, a descendant of the revered Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade of Agure Compound, Oyo. This prestigious lineage further underscores his deep-rooted connection to the history and traditions of the Oyo Kingdom, which he now leads as its 46th Alaafin.
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Abimbola Owoade’s Ascendancy to the Throne of Alaafin
Since the passing of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022, the search for a new Alaafin of Oyo has been marked by controversy. In May 2023, several royal families expressed dissatisfaction with the process, claiming they were excluded from the selection. Additionally, in January 2025, another faction warned the Oyo State Government against any interference, citing a pending court case related to the matter. Despite these tensions, on January 10, 2025, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State officially approved the selection of Abimbola Owoade as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, succeeding the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III. While the approval has been met with mixed reactions, the date for Owoade’s coronation has yet to be announced.
Controversy
Prince Abimbola Owoade’s appointment as the new Alaafin of Oyo, approved by Governor Seyi Makinde on January 10, 2025, has faced strong opposition from five prominent kingmakers in Oyo Town. These protesting kingmakers, including the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade; the Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Akindele; the Akinniku of Oyo, High Chief Hamza Yusuf; a warrant chief representing the Asipa of Oyo, Chief Wahab Oyetunji; and a warrant chief representing the Alapinni of Oyo, Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, have expressed their discontent with the decision. They argue that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin is the rightful Alaafin-elect, citing ongoing legal proceedings currently challenging the legitimacy of the selection process. This dispute highlights the continuing tension and complexity surrounding the succession process for the revered Alaafin title.
FAQs
Who is Prince Abimbola Owoade? The new Alaafin of Oyo?
Prince Abimbola Owoade is the newly selected Alaafin of Oyo, confirmed by the Oyo State Government on January 10, 2025. Born in 1978 into the royal family of Owoade-Agunloye, Agure Compound, in Oyo Town, Oyo State, he has a strong academic and professional background. Owoade studied Mechanical Engineering at both Nigerian and UK institutions, earning his Higher National Diploma (HND) and later a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sunderland and Northumbria University, respectively.
His career journey began in 2002 as a corps member with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), where he worked as a Mechanical Intern/Planner with the Nigeria Gas Company. He then briefly worked in the banking sector with Oceanic Bank Plc before relocating to the UK, where he earned certifications in Project Management. Known for his strong leadership qualities, Prince Abimbola Owoade has emerged as the successor to the late Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III despite challenges and controversies surrounding the selection process. His appointment marks a significant moment for the Oyo Kingdom, although the exact date of his coronation remains to be confirmed.
