By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
All is now set for the coronation of Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.
He was born 47 years ago to the prominent and royal family of Owoade-Agunloye in Oyo town.
Oba Owoade completed his secondary school education at Baptist High School, Saki.
His father worked with Oyo North Agricultural Development Programme (ONADEP), helping the Oke-Ogun community to boost agricultural productivity.
He studied Mechanical Engineering at Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State at Ordinary National Diploma level from 1994 to 1997 and Higher National Diploma at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State from 1999 to 2001.
He did his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme with Nigeria Gas Company as Mechanical Intern/Planner in 2002.
He worked with Oceanic Bank International Plc. in Warri, Delta State, as a cashier from 2003 to 2004, and attended University of Sunderland (2008) and Northumbria University (2012) from where he earned Bachelor of Science and Masters degrees in Mechanical Engineering, respectively.
Owoade became certified in Project Management in June, 2015 (PMP holder) and held a Planning Engineering position at Oil Reach Company, Glasgow, United Kingdom, for some years before moving to Canada.
Oba Owoade 1, until the royal mantle fell on his shoulders, was the Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, Canada, one of the largest electric power and natural gas utility providers in Canada.
Alaafin Owoade is a Nigerian and Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and President, Manitoba Limited and owned a real estate investment and financial services business in Manitoba, Canada.
A statement issued by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo, Bode Durojaiye, said aside hotels and guest houses that had been fully booked for guests, posters and billboards of the new Alaafin adorned every nook and cranny of the town.
It stated that virtually all township roads were being rehabilitated to make them motorable for invited guests who would attend the historic event, as residents were “in high spirits amid pomp and celebration in motorcades round the town.”
“At the Olivet Baptist High School, main venue of the coronation ceremony, special canopies for the invited guests are being erected, while security arrangements are in top gear.
“Apart from the popular Akesan market that will be under lock and key for the event, all other markets in and around the town will also follow suit,” Durojaiye said.
The statement explained further that Oba Owoade 1 had urged the people to celebrate with moderation by not beating drums of vendetta, persecution and acrimony, “as these are ill wind that will not blow any good.”
It added: “Promoting peace and communal unity is a collective responsibility of every indigene of the ancient town.
“Peace and unity are important tools for community development, as peace is a fundamental asset to building personal growth, community development and robust institutions.
“Peace creates an enabling environment for human capital formation and infrastructural development.”
