Born almost five decades ago, the newly approved Alaafin of Oyo, Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade hails from the royal Owoade-Agunloye family of Oyo.
He is one of the surviving children of Pa Rasaki Ibiyosi Owoade.
His lineage traces back to Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade from Agure Compound, Oyo, embedding him deeply in the cultural and historical fabric of the Oyo KingdomPrince Owoade attended Baptist High School, Saki, followed by obtaining a National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, and The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
This educational foundation has shaped his analytical and technical skills.
Prince Owoade’s professional life spans continents, from being a Planning Engineer at Oil Reach Company in Glasgow, UK, to his current role as a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, Canada.
He is also the president of 100279 Manitoba Limited, focusing on real estate and financial services, showcasing his business acumen and leadership in the corporate world.
Known for his deep community commitment, Prince Akeem has been a pillar of support for relatives, friends, and his community in both Nigeria and Canada. His philanthropy includes educational support, community projects, and aid during crises, reflecting his dedication to social welfare.
His vision for Oyo includes cultural preservation through initiatives such as building a museum, economic development via industrial parks, and youth empowerment through vocational training.
Prince Owoade plans to collaborate with international bodies such as the ILO and UNDP to foster growth and opportunity in Oyo.
The selection of the Oyo born Prince as the Alaafin was unanimous among the Owoade-Agunloye family, recognizing his reliability, loyalty, and commitment to service.
His blend of global experience with a profound respect for local traditions makes him a unique leader for Oyo.
The appointment of Prince Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo is expected to put to rest all the socio-legal disputes that have arisen since the former Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, joined his ancestors on April 22, 2022.
