The newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, will officially be addressed as His Imperial Majesty, according to a statement released on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
The statement emphasized that the public and media must use his full title correctly: His Imperial Majesty Iku Baba Yeye Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, Alaafin of Oyo. It also clarified that the Roman numeral “I” should not be mistaken for the number one (1).
Meanwhile, a legal challenge has emerged against Oba Owoade’s appointment. Prince Lukman Gbadegesin has filed a lawsuit at the Oyo State High Court, arguing that Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval of the appointment was rushed and did not follow due process. He claims the Oyomesi (kingmakers) had already selected him as the rightful candidate and is seeking a court ruling to validate his claim.