Profile of Oyo’s new Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Owoade

Abimbola Akeem Owoade, a distinguished businessman and royal descendant, is the newly crowned 46th Alaafin of Oyo, bringing with him a blend of tradition, modern leadership, and global exposure.

Officially assuming office on January 13, 2025, and coronated on April 5, 2025, Oba Owoade succeeds the revered Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, continuing the proud lineage of the ancient Oyo Empire.

Profile summary

Name: Abimbola Akeem Owoade

Date of birth: July 17, 1975

Place of birth: Oyo

Spouse: Olori Abiwumi Owoade

Education: University of Sunderland

Profession: Engineer, Entrepreneur

Net Worth: Estimated at $5 million

Background

Born into the esteemed Owoade-Agunloye royal family on July 17, 1975 in Oyo Town, Abimbola Owoade carries the royal bloodline of the legendary Alaafin Lawani Agogoja.

He is a direct descendant of Alaafin Atiba and a great-great-grandson of Alaafin Agunloye, solidifying his place in the royal hierarchy.

Raised in the culturally rich environment of Oyo, his upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of tradition, leadership, and service to the community. He completed his secondary education in 1992 at Baptist High School, Saki.

Academic excellence

Oba Owoade’s passion for engineering and innovation led him to The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, where he earned his Ordinary National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.

He then attended The Polytechnic, Ibadan, completing his Higher National Diploma in 2001.

Determined to expand his horizons, he relocated to the United Kingdom.

There, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sunderland in 2008 and later, a Master of Science from Northumbria University in 2012.

His education abroad provided him with a global perspective and modern skills crucial for leadership in the 21st century.

Career milestones

Oba Owoade began his career in 2002 during his NYSC service year as a Mechanical Intern/Planner with the Nigeria Gas Company.

He briefly worked as a cashier at Oceanic Bank Plc before moving to the UK, where he obtained project management certification and worked as a Planning Engineer at Oil Reach Company in Glasgow.

His expertise later took him to Canada, where he worked with Manitoba Hydro as a Project Coordinator.

There, he managed engineering projects in one of Canada’s largest utility companies, gaining significant corporate experience.

In addition to his engineering pursuits, he is the founder and president of Manitoba Limited, a real estate investment and financial services company based in Canada.

Royal Ascendancy

The transition of leadership following the death of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in April 2022 was accompanied by consultations and debates among royal families and kingmakers.

After nearly three years of deliberation, the Oyo State Government, under Governor Seyi Makinde, approved the appointment of Abimbola Owoade as Alaafin in January 2025.

He was formally presented with the staff of office on January 13, 2025, marking the official beginning of his reign. The grand coronation ceremony was held on April 5, 2025, in a celebration of culture, history, and hope for the future.

As the new Alaafin, Oba Owoade bears the immense responsibility of preserving Yoruba culture and traditions while steering the Oyo Kingdom into a modern era.

His reign comes at a critical time, when traditional institutions must balance heritage with global relevance.

Private life

Oba Owoade is married to Olori Abiwumi Owoade, and the couple has maintained strong ties to both their native land and their communities abroad.

A man of deep compassion, he is known for his philanthropic efforts across education, healthcare, and housing initiatives, especially for underserved populations in Oyo and the diaspora.

Net worth

His entrepreneurial acumen has earned him both respect and financial success, with an estimated net worth of $5 million.