Akeem Abimbola Owoade Biography: Facts about the New Alaafin Oyo

Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, a distinguished Nigerian-Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and project management expert, is a descendant of Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade of the revered Owoade-Agunloye royal family in Oyo. He is one of the surviving children of Pa Rasaki Ibiyosi Owoade. His illustrious career, philanthropic contributions, and dedication to preserving Yoruba culture have culminated in this esteemed position.

Akeem Abimbola Owoade Biography

Abimbola Akeem Owoade, born in 1978 in Oyo Town, is a member of the Owoade-Agunloye royal family and the son of Pa Rasaki Ibiyosi Owoade, a notable figure in agricultural development. He completed his secondary education at Baptist High School, Saki, and earned his National and Higher National Diplomas in Mechanical Engineering from Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, and The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

After completing his NYSC with the Nigeria Gas Company in 2002, Akeem began his career at Oceanic Bank International Plc. He later moved to the UK, obtaining a Bachelor of Science from the University of Sunderland in 2008 and a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Northumbria University in 2012, along with a PMP certification in 2015.

Currently, Akeem is a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro in Canada and the president of 100279 Manitoba Limited, a real estate investment firm. His philanthropic work focuses on empowering underprivileged communities. Recently appointed as the Alaafin of Oyo Town by Governor Seyi Makinde, Akeem is committed to preserving the cultural heritage of the Oyo Kingdom.

Educational Background

Prince Abimbola Owoade educational journey showcases academic excellence, with secondary education completed at Baptist High School, Saki, followed by a National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, and The Polytechnic, Ibadan. Furthering his education in the UK, he earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sunderland and Northumbria University, along with a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in 2015.

Turning 50 this year, Prince Akeem’s professional career spans continents, from his role as a Planning Engineer at Oil Reach Company in Glasgow, UK, to his current position as Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, Canada. Additionally, as the president of 100279 Manitoba Limited, he demonstrates exceptional business acumen and leadership in real estate and financial services.

Community Involvement and Philanthropy

Prince Akeem Owoade is deeply committed to the welfare of his community and is always ready to lend a helping hand to family, friends, and those around him in both Nigeria and Canada. His philanthropic work spans a range of initiatives, including educational sponsorships, community development projects, and crisis relief efforts. This truly reflects his dedication to making a positive impact and improving the lives of others.

Vision for Oyo

Prince Akeem envisions a thriving Oyo, focusing on cultural preservation through the establishment of a museum, spurring economic growth with industrial parks, and empowering youth via vocational training programs. He aims to collaborate with international organizations such as the ILO and UNDP to drive sustainable development and create lasting opportunities in Oyo.

Appointment as the New Alaafin of Oyo

Prince Akeem Owoade has been officially announced as the new Alaafin of Oyo following extensive consultations, divinations, and a recommendation by the Oyomesi, which received the approval of the Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde. His appointment is anticipated to resolve the socio-legal disputes that have emerged since the passing of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, on April 22, 2022.

Agenda of Prince Akeem Owoade as the Alaafin of Oyo

1. Empowerment of Widows and Widowers: Implement a scheme to support and empower widows and widowers, helping them achieve financial independence and resilience.
   
2. Modernizing the Palace: Modernize the palace while preserving and respecting Yoruba culture, customs, and traditions.
   
3. Cultural Preservation: Ensure the continuity of Yoruba culture by promoting activities that align with traditional values, preventing cultural extinction.
   
4. Establishment of a Yoruba Museum: Advocate for the creation of a museum dedicated to Yoruba culture, working with the British government to repatriate artefacts taken in the 1800s.
   
5. Economic Development: Promote commerce by creating an industrial park to attract both local and foreign investors, fostering economic growth within the Alaafin’s domain.
   
6. Youth Employment and Empowerment: Partner with agencies like the ILO and UNDP to implement vocational training programs, reducing dependency and empowering youth with employable skills.
   
7. Recognition of Contributions: Honor and acknowledge individuals, past and present, who have significantly contributed to the development of Oyo and the Yoruba community.
   
8. Cultural Village Establishment: Develop a cultural village for artisans, such as calabash carvers and bead sellers, to boost economic prosperity and showcase Yoruba heritage. This will include partnerships with UNESCO.
   
9. Yoruba Language Promotion: Collaborate with CEYOLENG and the University of Ibadan to enhance Yoruba language immersion programs for international learners, deepening their understanding of Yoruba culture and traditions.

10 Things to Know About Akeem Abimbola Owoade Biography: the New Alaafin of Oyo

1. Royal Heritage: Prince Owoade was born in 1978 to the esteemed Owoade-Agunloye royal family in Oyo.
   
2. Education in Nigeria: He completed his secondary education at Baptist High School in Saki, Oyo State, in 1992.
   
3. Engineering Studies: He earned his National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, and Polytechnic, Ibadan, between 1994 and 2001.
   
4. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC): Prince Owoade completed his NYSC program in 2002 at Nigeria Gas Company as a Mechanical Intern/Planner.
   
5. Banking Career: He briefly worked as a teller at Oceanic Bank International Plc in Warri between 2003 and 2004.
   
6. Higher Education Abroad: He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sunderland, UK, in 2008.
   
7. Master’s Degree and Certification: In 2012, he completed his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Northumbria University, UK, and became a certified Project Manager in June 2015.
   
8. Planning Engineer in the UK: He served as a Planning Engineer at Oil Reach Company in Glasgow, UK, before moving to Canada for new career opportunities.
   
9. Project Coordinator in Canada: He is currently a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, a leading electric power and natural gas utility company in Canada.
   
10. Entrepreneurship: Prince Owoade is the president of 100279 Manitoba Limited, a real estate and financial services company based in Manitoba, Canada.

Conclusion

Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade has officially been appointed as the new Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Seyi Makinde, ending speculation over the vacant throne since the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III. Born into the Owoade-Agunloye royal family, Prince Owoade is a descendant of Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade from the Agure Compound. He completed his education in Nigeria and the UK, earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Project Management certification.

Professionally, Prince Owoade has worked in the UK and Canada, where he is currently a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro and president of 100279 Manitoba Limited, a real estate firm. He is known for his philanthropic work and cultural engagement.

As Alaafin, he plans to empower widows and widowers, modernize the palace while preserving cultural heritage, establish a museum for Yoruba artefacts, and promote economic development in Oyo. His leadership is expected to bring significant positive change to the region.

Abdulrahman Bonire