Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade, a distinguished Nigerian-Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist, has been appointed as the new Alaafin of Oyo.
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, announced the appointment on Friday through the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade.
Here are 15 key facts about the new monarch:
- Royal Heritage: Prince Owoade was born 49 years ago into the Owoade-Agunloye royal family in Oyo Town. He is a descendant of Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade of Agure Compound, Oyo.
- Educational Foundation: He completed his secondary education at Baptist High School, Saki, Oyo State, in 1992.
- Engineering Beginnings: Prince Owoade holds a National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State (1994–1997), and The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State (1999–2001).
- NYSC Experience: He completed his national service in 2002 with the Nigeria Gas Company as a Mechanical Intern/Planner.
- Early Career in Nigeria: He worked as a teller at Oceanic Bank International Plc. in Warri, Delta State, from 2003 to 2004.
- International Education: Prince Owoade pursued further education in the United Kingdom, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sunderland in 2008 and a Master’s degree from Northumbria University in 2012.
- Project Management Certification: He became a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) in June 2015.
- Professional Experience in the UK: Owoade worked as a Planning Engineer at Oil Reach Company in Glasgow, United Kingdom.
- Move to Canada: Seeking greater opportunities, he relocated to Canada, where he has since excelled in his professional career.
- Role at Manitoba Hydro: He currently serves as a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, one of Canada’s largest electric power and natural gas utility providers.
- Business Leadership: Prince Owoade is the President of 100279 Manitoba Limited, a company specializing in real estate investment and financial services in Manitoba, Canada.
- Philanthropy: He is well-regarded for his philanthropic contributions, particularly in his home community of Oyo and beyond.
- Family Influence: His father, Pa Rasaki Ibiyosi Owoade, played a significant role in agricultural development in the Oke-Ogun community while working with the Oyo North Agricultural Development Programme.
- Selection as Alaafin: Prince Owoade was chosen by the Owoade-Agunloye family as their preferred candidate in the Alaafin succession race. His selection was confirmed by traditional consultations and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde.
- Vision for Oyo: The new Alaafin is expected to bring his wealth of experience, both locally and internationally, to foster peace, unity, and progress in Oyo Kingdom.
Prince Owoade’s appointment marks a new chapter in the history of the Alaafin institution, promising a blend of tradition and modernity to enhance the legacy of the ancient throne.
